How to celebrate a "Green" Christmas

You don't have to be a scrooge to have an environmentally-conscious Christmas. You just have to rethink your decorations and gift-giving. And you will probably find that your family and friends appreciate the gesture, as will your pocketbook.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Imagination
• Recycled materials

1. To care for the earth, we all need to consume less. Does this mean no Christmas presents? No! Try giving experiences or time instead of stuff. Give a coupon good for a shared activity or to fix something that needs it. Or make a handmade gift - a craft, food item or card made out of recycled materials. Purchase a tree gift through the Arbor Day Foundation. The recipient will receive a card telling them a tree has been planted in their name. This will show more thoughtfulness and caring than any store-bought item ever could. With casual friends or co-workers, have a white elephant gift party instead of exchanging new gifts.
2. When decorating, consider using materials that are recycled or can be re-used many times. Avoid toxic materials such as tree flocking. LED Christmas lights are now available and use a fraction of the energy of traditional lights. Consider purchasing a living Christmas tree instead of a dead one. Living trees can either be placed outside until the next season or planted on private property or in a park.
3. Use recycled paper to wrap your gifts or use pretty bags that can be reused. And when the gifts are opened, save the paper to use again or at the very least recycle it.
4. When hosting holiday gatherings, consider using durable plates, cups and silverware instead of disposable ones. If you must use paper products, looked for unbleached and natural colored options. Some cities, such as Seattle, will pick up food soiled paper products as part of the yard waste and compost service. Recycle any cans and bottles.
5. When planning holiday meals, consider purchasing more organic and locally grown food. Eat less meat or purchase free-range and hormone-free meat and poultry. A vegetarian diet is healthier for you and the planet. Local foods require less fuel to transport producing less pollution and organic foods keep chemicals out of the earth and out of your body.
6. Shop for gifts locally. Try walking, riding your bike or taking the bus to local neighborhood shops. If you must drive, try to combine tasks to limit the number of trips needed.

Tips & Warnings

• You may find having a simple holiday is more creative and relaxing than running around to all the malls and stressing about getting the "right" gifts.