While you may take some steps to be eco-friendly in your daily life, it’s easy to see how green practices can go by the wayside during the holiday season. Much like calorie counting, thoughts about your environmental impact may be forgotten in the midst of beloved holiday traditions. You may be surprised to learn that there are several simple ways you can enjoy your traditions while still being green this holiday season.
The Christmas Tree
Next to Santa Claus himself, the Christmas Tree is probably the most widely recognized symbol of the holiday season. Its universal appeal makes trimming the tree a classic annual tradition. While it’s a bit more work to maintain, a live tree is a more eco-friendly choice than its artificial cousin. Yet pesticide laden trees that are transported from across the country have their drawbacks. If possible, buy a Christmas tree from a local, pesticide-free tree farm for the most environmentally friendly option.
Decorations
Many Americans delight in hanging holiday decorations both inside and outside of their homes. Outdoor light displays may be an impressive way to spread holiday cheer, but they also burn precious energy. Consider switching to energy efficient LED holiday lights, which use almost 90 percent less power, and maybe even reducing the number of outdoor lights you use to adorn your home. Indoors you can also deck the halls with eco-friendly ornaments, including natural items like pine cones, evergreen boughs and berries.
Holiday Cards
Sending holiday cards is a traditional way to catch up with friends and relatives during the holiday season. To make this practice a bit more green, look for cards and envelopes that are made from recycled paper. If you’re ready to update the tradition, you can also consider switching to sending holiday e-cards instead of a paper version. An electronic holiday greeting also lets you add a photo slideshow, a video clip or even festive music to your annual message of cheer.
Gift Giving
Christmas is known as a season of giving, but that doesn’t have to mean material goods. Instead of sending more stuff to clutter your friends’ and relatives’ homes, consider passing along some thoughtful consumables. A gift certificate to a nice restaurant, a festive fruit basket, a favorite bottle of wine or a big batch of your homemade cookies are all wonderful gifts which show your loved ones and the environment that you care.
Gift Wrap
Presentation is a traditional element of gift giving, and half the fun can come from the anticipation of seeing a wrapped gift and wondering what’s inside. However, you can think outside of the box when it comes to gift wrap to make it more environmentally friendly. Decorative paper gift bags can be reused many times before they begin to show wear, so save the bags of any gifts you receive to use again next year. You can also opt to buy or make fabric gift bags, which will last much longer. When wrapping with paper, choose recycled gift wrap or make your own from recycled items like paper shopping bags, magazines or newspapers. A festive fabric bow adds the perfect touch to any package, and it can be reused over and over again.