Last week, I talked about the environmental and economical benefits of shopping local for the holidays on NPR. So today, I’m actually taking things to the local level by compiling the big local shopping events Angelenos can take advantage of in the next couple weeks. Know of eco-local shopping events happening in your own town? Share them in the comments!

Local World’s Fair. Put together by GOOD, Etsy, Homegrown, LA Commons and SlowFood, this shopping event promises “to present an alternative to the fast and anonymous shopping we’ve all come to expect during the holiday season.”

The free event will showcase L.A. designers and artisans alongside their handmade gifts, “ranging from toys to ties” — as well as yummy local food (ice cream, lemonade, Korean teas, etc.), workshops (although the tamale-making and tea-tasting workshops appear to already be full), and live music from L.A.-area bands I’d never heard of — until now.

When: Sat., Dec. 6 - Sun., Dec. 7, 11 am - 5 pm both days
Where: GOOD Worldwide, 6824 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles
Cost: FREE! No RSVP required, except for special workshops, which are already full

Local World’s Fair’s part of a 2-week series of events GOOD is putting on, creatively titled the “GOOD December event series.” Check out the website for details on all the salons, screenings, installations, and other fun events.
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Just Holiday Marketplace. Put together by the activist education center Strategic Actions for a Just Economy, this event will create a self-described “indoor independent ANTI-mall” for L.A. indie-designed and handmade goods, from jewelry to gourmet baked goods to home decor.

Shoppers will also be treated to live music (again, haven’t heard of the bands. Maybe I should pay more attention to the local music scene), food, a bookstore featuring author readings — and a ceramics-painting table for kids.

When: Sat., Dec. 6, 11 am - 5 pm
Where: SAJE, 152 W. 32nd St., Los Angeles, CA 90007
Cost: FREE!
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Unique Los Angeles. This two-day shopping event brings together 200 local indie designers (about 20 of them eco) selling everything from clothes to artwork to plush toys. Plus, shoppers will be able to screenprint their own stuff, make their own gift tags and cards at the Etsy DIY lab, enjoy gourmet treats — and even beer at the LA Weekly lounge.

When: December 13 - 14th 11 am – 7 pm both days
Where: California Market Center (Penthouse), 110 E. 9th St., Los Angeles
Cost: $5 admission — half of which goes to Create Now, a local arts-based charity for high-risk youth. Free for children 10 and under.
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2nd Annual Eco Gift Festival. This event has much less of a local focus than the other 3 events, though many local vendors have signed up to be part of Eco Gift Festival. Drop by for live entertainment, speakers, an organic food court and eco gift-wrapping and shipping.

When: Fri., Dec. 12 - Sun., Dec. 14
Where: Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 1855 Main St. Santa Monica
Cost: $10 per day, $20 for a weekend pass. Free for children under 12 and seniors over 65.