Goal For The Green

This  holiday season, is a tight time, for many families.  While, keeping in tradition, of giving and sharing with family and friends, keep in mind there are things you can do, and services you can offer, that can mean more, than any amount of money you spend. At the same time, in keeping with traditions, you can also take steps to reduce waste, save money and be creative, while making the holidays green and festive.

During the holidays, waste can and does,  increase with extra packaging, gift wrap, disposable dishes, leftover food, and more. The Christmas holiday, generates, more garbage in our landfills, than any other time of the year.

Did you know, that a variety of tips on reducing holiday waste, giving green gifts, and reducing energy consumption is available on the Department of Natural Resources website?

There, you will learn about using less packaging, and buying environmentally friendly gifts. The holiday season offers us many opportunities, to reduce waste, creatively reuse materials in decorations, all while helping the environment,  and  helping you save money.

The DNR’s holiday waste reduction tips, can be found on the DNR’s EEK! Environmental Education for Kids website.  Some suggestions include:
Holiday Preparation Tips

Instead of incandescent lights, use energy-efficient LED lights, for holiday decorations. Have lights that no longer work? Many companies accept used light strings, for recycling, and may even offer a discount on new lights. Talk to your local retailer or search online for details.  It is always a good habit, to check the wires on your lights.  Any old or exposed wire, could be a potential fire hazard.
Use a timer to turn off holiday lights, when no one is awake to enjoy them.
Potted trees, are a great waste-free alternative, to cut trees and they can be planted in the yard in the spring.
At holiday parties, use washable plates, cups, silverware, tablecloths and napkins instead of disposables.  It may mean running the dishwasher, but there is a lot less waste.

Gift-Giving Tips

Look for gifts with little or no packaging, or packaging that can be easily reused or recycled. Remember to bring your own reusable bags, to bring your purchases home in.
Shop for experiences, not things. Give your family and friends, tickets to a concert, museum passes ,or tickets to a baseball game or sporting event. Doing something together is fun, and leaves no waste.  Offer to cook a meal, or babysit, free of charge.  These are things, that are very thoughtful and helpful, in tough times, or anytime.
Give gifts that help your friends and family, live greener. Possibilities include bus tickets, state park passes, compost bins, reusable grocery bags, and rechargeable batteries and chargers.
Show your support for recycling by purchasing gifts made of recycled material.

After-Holiday Tips

After the holiday season is over, put cut trees in the yard to provide winter cover, for rabbits and birds. In the spring, chip the tree and use it for mulch.

Did you receive new electronics this holiday? Recycle your old electronics to preserve resources, and prevent toxins from entering the environment. Find a recycler near you, through E-cycle and your state name.
Save and reuse ribbons, bows, gift bags and wrapping paper, from year to year. Recycle paper, and boxes that are no longer usable.
Don’t throw away your holiday or greeting cards; use them to make new cards next year or donate, to organizations that could reuse them.

Some changes I have made, is to cut- out shapes from the Christmas cards, and mount them on colored paper.  Then, laminate the creations, and use as place mats.  I also, really like the idea, of cloth gift bags, that can be personalized, and re-used year after year.  Butcher paper, is also fun to decorate, with glitter pens, and paint or markers.  Even, brown paper bags, can be made festive, with pine cones, holly, and or small cedar boughs, to decorate the box.  The most important thing, is to get in the spirit, and have fun.  Remember, the fact that you took the time to use your creativity, means more, than money can buy.  Enjoy yourself, and Happy Holidays!