 |
| Image credit: Petr Kratochvil via www.Gaderinge.com |
With all of the twinkling lights, decorated trees, beautifully wrapped presents, and yummy foods, the holiday season is a time for family, friends, joy and hope. However, many of our traditions are not so "joyful" for the planet. Luckily, there are small changes we can all make to help make our holidays a little "greener."
- Use alternatives to wrapping paper (or just don't wrap it!). The wrapping can be part of the gift - a scarf, a reusable box, mason jar and reusable bag are all great options. If you have kids, using some of their artwork as wrapping paper or tags is a touch that family members will love. (Just get their permission first!)
- Reuse or recycle wrapping paper, bows, and tags that you receive.
- Use LED holiday lights. If your lights are old or you are buying new lights, get LED bulbs - they use less energy (up to 80% less) and last longer. They also don't heat up like traditional lights, so may be a safer bet for your tree. Solar powered lights may also be a great option for outside.
- Eat local, organic, and in-season. When preparing your holiday meals, focus on local and organic produce, pasture-raised poultry and eggs, and grass-fed meats. Your alcohol can be green too - biodynamic or organic wine, organic brews - if you can get local, that's great.
- Recycle your live tree Montgomery county will turn your cut Christmas tree into compost or mulch if you leave it by the curb on recycling day. You can find more information here: http://m.montgomerycountymd.gov/SWS/how/christmas-trees.html
- Use soy or natural beeswax candles instead of those made from paraffin wax (a petroleum product).
- Send holiday cards over email - you can save money, time, and paper!
- Use reusable bags for your holiday shopping. Most of us already use reusable bags at the grocery store - bring them for your other shopping too!
- Consider giving environmentally and socially conscious gifts You can find many handmade, fair trade items, items made from recycled materials, and used items both online and in person. Also consider non-material gifts such as a trip, class, experience, or even a gift of your talent and time.
- If you are traveling, unplug appliances, turn down the thermostat and turn off the water heater. This is self-explanatory, save your wallet and the environment!
