The Christmas season is upon us and while it’s the happiest time of the year, it can also be the most wasteful. White Christmases are overrated — this year, make sure you, your family and your friends have a green Christmas! Here are a few tips to get you started:
Your Christmas Tree:
Choose a Christmas tree that is potted or balled with its roots still attached. You’ll have a festive holiday decoration and a beautiful addition to your yard in the spring!
Replace old Christmas lights with energy-efficient LEDs. They cost a little more, but use 80-90% less power, last longer, and stay cool to the touch, which is great for those of us with young children!
Try using recycled products for wrapping: Re-use old boxes, try paper bags or newspaper for wrapping and padding, and be sure to save your gift bags to use again next year!
Buy “green” gifts! Shop for locally-made products to reduce the transportation involved to get to you (and support local business at the same time). Avoid toys with excessive packaging, particularly if it’s non-recyclable. Look for gifts made from recycled or up-cycled materials, or consider environment-focused gifts like a membership to the World Wildlife Federation, the Audubon Society or Trees for a Change.
Out with the Old, in with the New:
When you open all your gifts on Christmas morning, make sure not to throw out the old things they’re replacing! If you got some new sweaters, be sure to donate the old ones to Goodwill or the Salvation Army so others can reuse them.