Photo courtesy of sassysundry at flikr.com.

I came across a National Geographic article today from 2001 that discussed the need for us all to take a greener approach to the holiday season. It claimed that our “holiday wasteline” needs to be trimmed estimating then that

Americans will throw away an additional 25 million tons of garbage—about 1 million extra tons a week [this holiday].”

If that was in 2001, I don’t think I want to know what the numbers are now. With the recent heightening of awareness, however, there are plenty of resources out there to make your Christmas a little greener this year! And don’t we all love green this time of year?!

Going green for Christmas really only requires creativity and a little effort. The holiday season has become so convenient. Stores open until midnight on Christmas Eve, everything Christmas sold in bulk and “guaranteed delivery” by Christmas, so you don’t even have to go anywhere, but that all can take a toll on our environment.

If you are becoming a more conscious consumer, there are plenty of ways to go about “going green” this season. Here are a few tips I’ve found to be helpful for several aspects of Christmas.

Oh Christmas Tree

Photo courtesy of mmahaffie at flikr.com.

When it comes to trees these days, we have so many options.

• If you get a fake tree, get one that will last you a very long time. Some fake trees contain PVC, and keeping your tree around year after year will ensure you to put out less trash.

• If you get a real tree, try finding an organic tree farm or one with locally grown trees. Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a local farm.

• When you’re done with your tree, be sure to recycle it! The National Christmas Tree Association has a website to help you locate a tree recycling center for your zip code.

• Most Christmas trees, when recycled, are turned into mulch or compost for playgrounds and parks. If you own a compost bin, chop up your Christmas tree and throwing it in to make a nice fertilizer for your lawn and garden. Make a day of it with the whole family and take out some of that Christmas aggression on your tree (after the relatives have left, of course) while chopping it up!

• Want to go really green? Buy a smaller Christmas-looking tree or other potted plant to decorate. That way you get the spirit of Christmas and a plant to enjoy all year round.

Decking the halls

Photo courtesy of suzanneduda at flikr.com.

This list of useful decorating tips will take you back in time. Try having a vintage holiday this year. It’s also a great way to get the whole family involved!

• Try making your own decorations with things you already have around the house. (Who said paper chains were out of style?) Then when the season is over, simply throw your decorations in a box for next year or recycle them with your tree.

• Use old ribbon, bows and cracked ornaments to make a wreath. Or save your ribbons this year and make a wreath for next year.

• Go to garage sales, antique stores or flea markets for the things you can’t make. While you will probably be saving money buying older decorations, you can are also recycling goods.

Lights

Photo courtesy of blueridgelaughing at flickr.com.

• This year, find some energy-saving LED lights and put them inside and outside. The are more energy efficient and they usually last longer (up to 100,000 hours) and won’t flicker out as quickly.

• Like your house to twinkle brighter than all the others in the neighborhood? Ok, Clark Griswold, try chilling out on the lights this year. A few strands of lights go a long way!

• If you put lots of lights on the outside of your house, try finding a solar panel that stores energy in the day and lights by night. These can be expensive, but they are worth it to save energy this year and years to come.

• When at home, only have your tree lit certain hours or try turning all your lights off except for your Christmas tree lights. It will save energy and make things more romantic.
Does that make things too dim? Get a fire going and cuddle up with some organic hot coco!

All wrapped up

Photo courtesy of goldstardeputy at flikr.com.

Presents create more trash than anything else during the holiday season.

• Instead of buying new paper every year, try wrapping your presents in old comics, sports or fashion sections of the newspaper. Yeah, you used to do that in college to save money, but now you can use newspaper because it’s a part of your “going green” Christmas!

• Look for organic or recycled wrapping paper to use this year.

• Already bought Christmas paper at all the day after Thanksgiving sales? No worries, make sure to collect all that paper (and boxes, too!) and use them next year.

• Use left-over wrapping paper and Christmas cards to make ornaments, decorations, thank you cards, or holiday scrap booking for friends or yourself.

• Try shopping at antique stores and flea markets for great unique finds.

• Save your shopping bags and use them for returning the floral Muu Muu your grandma thought you must have, or use them year round.

• Having a holiday party where your guests are bringing presents? Tell your guests to go naked! Skip the wrapping paper, and exchange the gifts opened. It will make things more interesting as your guests battle out the white elephant gifts.

• Also, look for eco-friendly gifts to give this year. Get your friends and family thinking about their need to do the right thing. Not sure where to start? Check out some of our favorites this season!

Don’t be surprised when people notice the change. If people tell you you’re being cheap, tell them helping the environment, then call them a Grinch! Only kidding! The possibilities are endless, and if this list is overwhelming, just try a few easy things this year and go from there. The “holiday wasteline” can be trimmed this year. Just get creative!

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This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 12th, 2007 at 5:25 am and is filed under In the News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.