A big part of living and traveling sustainably means supporting ecologically friendly businesses — ones that use local, organic products and services, and have incorporated environmental responsibility into their business models. Here are some beautiful gift ideas from Bay Area-companies who "get it."

The Iconic California Cheese Collection from Cowgirl Creamery

Cowgirl Creamery, based in Pt. Reyes, uses organic milk from the Straus Family Dairy to make their heavenly artisan cheeses. This collection features their award-winning triple-cream "stinky" Red Hawk along with two other fine cheeses made locally: Humboldt Fog soft surface-ripened goat cheese, and Vella's Dry California Jack. The Cowgirls themselves (Sue Conley and Peggy Smith) are pioneers of the sustainable agriculture movement in the Bay Area.

Toys from Green Toys

A San Francisco toy producer that's serious about sustainability, Green Toys offers boys and girls whimsical, fun playthings that fuel the imagination. Using all recycled, local and natural materials, Green Toys offers gifts you can feel good about giving to tiny tots.

80 Acres Olive Oil Body Products by McEvoy Ranch

You've probably heard of the high-quality olive oils produced by this beautiful, rolling organic olive tree orchard in Sonoma County — but did you know they also make killer body products? Created with the rich McEvoy olive oil that local gourmands have come to love, "Verde" soaps, lotions, balms and more are 100 percent natural, luxurious, and smell exactly like fresh-mown grass in the springtime.

 Organic Bedding from A Happy Planet

This San Francisco business is passionate about educating the public of all the benefits that organic fabrics and textiles can bring to one's days and nights. Using pesticide-free, organically grown and renewable raw materials including natural rubber and latex, wood and kapok, A Happy Planet creates scrumptious bedding that will weave its way beautifully into your home.

Fashions by Clary Sage Organics

This lovely Pacific Heights shop is committed to using 100 percent sustainable products in all the items they sell — cleanses and teas, natural body and skin care, and beautiful clothing for "yoga and after yoga." The skirts, tops, dresses and more at Clary Sage convey an effortless, simple elegance.

If you have any other great, local, sustainable gift ideas, please mail them to Eileen Loh at elohexaminer@gmail.com