Christmas is a holiday noted for conspicuous consumption. Show your respect for the planet by adopting some new Christmas traditions this year. Going green is becoming more popular, but even more important, it's good sense: for you, your family, and the entire world.
Christmas Cards that Protect the Environment
Let's face it; most Christmas cards end up in landfill. They can be loving reminders to people far away, but this year why not consider sending e-cards to loved ones who have computers. That way you can send loving thoughts of the season while showing your love for the planet.
Holiday Wrapping Paper and the Environment
I don't think there is anyone who hasn't had a moment’s pause when disposing of all of that wrapping paper the day after Christmas. What a waste. This year, why not try wrapping smaller gifts with fabric. There are thousands of Christmas fabrics available that can be cut with pinking shears (so they don't ravel) and used to wrap smaller gifts.
These decorative wraps can be used year after year. The average bolt of cotton fabric is 42” to 45” wide, and many seasonal fabrics are very reasonably priced. Fabric makes a unique and impressive presentation when used to dress a gift, and it is also good for the environment.
Buy Local at Christmas
It is a good practice to get into the habit of buying local. When you buy local seasonal produce or buy from local artisans, you are saving on packaging and transportation costs.
Your Christmas Tree
There is some controversy over whether an artificial or real tree is the most environmentally responsible way to go, but it is a sure bet that if you buy a living tree that you are planning on planting after the holiday, you'll be doing the planet a favor.
When you shop for a living tree, select one that will grow in your area and can be kept in a pot outdoors until your ground thaws in spring. Plan on bringing your living tree indoors no more than a week before Christmas, and put it back outdoors right after Christmas. If you live in an apartment, or don't have room in your yard for an evergreen, check into the option of donating it to a local rest home or children's center after the holiday.
If you opt for a cut tree, try to locate a lot that sells trees that are locally grown, and recycle it after the holiday.
Christmas Gifts
If you are buying electronic gifts to replace items in your home, dispose of old electronic components and batteries responsibly. Whenever possible, purchase gifts made from recycled materials or from retailers that support eco-friendly businesses.
Consider making a eco-aware donation on a gift recipient's behalf this year. Teaching someone the value of giving is a great gift in itself.
Energy Awareness Over the Holidays
Cut back on your Christmas lighting. It's tempting to want to share your Christmas spirit with the neighborhood, but consider the ways in which the energy might be better spent. If you love Christmas lights and won't consider spending Christmas without them, switch to energy efficient LED lights. You can save up to 90% on your energy costs that way.
Use good energy conservation practices in your kitchen by monitoring your use of the oven and controlling how long you leave your refrigerator door open. These seem like a small things, but waste adds up.
Holiday Food
Don’t buy more food than you can eat. Use leftover vegetables to make soup after the holiday. If you have extra, share by donating it to a local charity or soup kitchen.
Going green is an every day commitment, but you can make a start during the holidays. Give a gift to the planet and everyone who lives on it by being ecologically conscious.
S. Elliott - S. Elliott is a professional freelance writer with over 1,000 published articles on the web.
