For the holidays, we’re continuing our series to shine the spotlight on Maine craftspeople who make products by hand. It’s important to support innovators and entrepreneurs who keep the creative economy alive in this state. This week it’s all about green, sustainable and upcycled handmade products. Each week, until Dec. 25, we will bring you this series until you can’t take it anymore. Ready. Set. Go.

Goat Soaps

The back story

Check out the Belfast Co-op for some awesome green gift ideas. They are now carrying Wandering Goat Soaps in Union, created by mother-daughter team Cheryl Rudy and Tanya Rudy. They make the soaps with their own goats’ milk and blend it with organic oils, herbs, spices and essential oils.

In their words

“We wanted to make a product that we could be proud of and that would bring together pure, natural ingredients that are provided on our farm or mindfully sourced. We love handmade soap and we love our goats so we thought, why not create quality goat milk soaps that support sustainability and provide them for others?”

Where to find them/price range

Online: wanderinggoatmaine.com/ ($5.25 each), Offline: Belfast Co-op.

One Pie Pumpkin candle in a can

The back story

According to a story in Yankee Magazine, the One Pie Pumpkin canned pumpkin brand dates back to 19th century Maine, when more than 100 canneries populated the state. It officially got its start in a mill in Waldoboro. So how cute is this? This item comes from Etsy shop MabelSt.Miscellany, where all of the hand-crafted items owners Sam B. and Cassie J. make are from or around Mabel Street in Portland.

In their words

“The recycled/upcycled soy candle is 15 ounces and should burn for 100 hours. The candles are made from 100 percent soy wax and have wooden wicks. This iconic can candle will fit nicely into your vintage inspired kitchen or bathroom!”

Where to find them/price range

Online: Etsy.com ($9.50 each).

The 2015 SunriseGuide

The back story

Written by Heather Chandler and her team, this is the Green Bible of the Midcoast and beyond, and a perfect gift itself. The 2015 edition of the SunriseGuide is “the best of what’s healthy, local and green” in Maine and includes more than $4,500 in coupons on products and services you use every day. Here’s a sample page of what you’ll find inside.

In their words

"Our goal with the SunriseGuide has always been to provide a useful resource that makes learning about sustainability and healthy lifestyles something that's fun. There are so many cool, local businesses in Maine that are providing great solutions and healthy, eco-friendly alternatives for the products and services we use every day. We want to make it easier for people to find them."

Where to find them/price range

Online: sunriseguide.com ($20 each), Offline: The book can be found at retail locations all over Maine, but use this directory to help you find where.