Tips for an Environmentally Friendly Holiday Season
Holidays are a time for sharing and festivities.
There's nothing wrong with giving gifts, or having a huge celebration.
We all need that in our lives.
However, as we become more aware of the effect of our celebrations on the earth's resources, many of us are trying to find ways to reduce the waste and have a holiday season that is gentle on the earth.
The following are a few tips for a green Christmas, Chanukah, Winter Solstice or other celebration this year: 1.
Buy a tree from a tree farm.
Artificial trees are made of non-recyclable plastics that take a toll on the earth.
On the other hand, tree farms replant any cut trees and the forest isn't being damaged.
2.
Send an e-card instead of a paper card.
We all love sending a note to let people know we are thinking of them, but paper cards end up in the trash, so why not hop on-line and check out card companies that give back to the environment? 3.
Gift wrapping.
It's fun to unwrap the present for a big surprise, but wrapping paper is one of the biggest wastes possible over the holidays.
Instead, try wrapping presents in recycled newspaper or magazine paper, or use an eco-friendly shopping bag to hide the present.
This way, the bag becomes part of the gift.
4.
Use hand towels and cloth napkins instead of paper towels and paper napkins.
5.
Create festive displays with fruits and nuts.
Skip the flowers that are often heavily sprayed with pesticides and opt for organic fruits and nuts that are beautiful and nutritious.
6.
Recycle trees after the season.
Instead of leaving your tree at the curb, take it down to have it chipped or recycled.
7.
Use decorations year after year.
It will save you money and help the earth.
If you like, create your own decorations using organic materials.
8.
If you are the type of person that likes to get rid of something old to make room for something new, consider donating old clothes and gear to a local charity so someone else can enjoy a warm winter.
9.
Use led lights if possible for exterior and interior lighting.
Also, turn lights off during the day and only keep them on for a few hours at night to reduce light pollution and cut back on energy use.
10.
Donate this year.
Consider making one gift a donation to a charity or organization that can help make a difference.
The most important thing to do is to enjoy, relax and rejuvenate!
There's nothing wrong with giving gifts, or having a huge celebration.
We all need that in our lives.
However, as we become more aware of the effect of our celebrations on the earth's resources, many of us are trying to find ways to reduce the waste and have a holiday season that is gentle on the earth.
The following are a few tips for a green Christmas, Chanukah, Winter Solstice or other celebration this year: 1.
Buy a tree from a tree farm.
Artificial trees are made of non-recyclable plastics that take a toll on the earth.
On the other hand, tree farms replant any cut trees and the forest isn't being damaged.
2.
Send an e-card instead of a paper card.
We all love sending a note to let people know we are thinking of them, but paper cards end up in the trash, so why not hop on-line and check out card companies that give back to the environment? 3.
Gift wrapping.
It's fun to unwrap the present for a big surprise, but wrapping paper is one of the biggest wastes possible over the holidays.
Instead, try wrapping presents in recycled newspaper or magazine paper, or use an eco-friendly shopping bag to hide the present.
This way, the bag becomes part of the gift.
4.
Use hand towels and cloth napkins instead of paper towels and paper napkins.
5.
Create festive displays with fruits and nuts.
Skip the flowers that are often heavily sprayed with pesticides and opt for organic fruits and nuts that are beautiful and nutritious.
6.
Recycle trees after the season.
Instead of leaving your tree at the curb, take it down to have it chipped or recycled.
7.
Use decorations year after year.
It will save you money and help the earth.
If you like, create your own decorations using organic materials.
8.
If you are the type of person that likes to get rid of something old to make room for something new, consider donating old clothes and gear to a local charity so someone else can enjoy a warm winter.
9.
Use led lights if possible for exterior and interior lighting.
Also, turn lights off during the day and only keep them on for a few hours at night to reduce light pollution and cut back on energy use.
10.
Donate this year.
Consider making one gift a donation to a charity or organization that can help make a difference.
The most important thing to do is to enjoy, relax and rejuvenate!
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