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GO GREEN THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 
Even though you may dream of
a white Christmas it is a good idea to think green as you make your
preparations. Before purchasing wrapping paper, cards and decorations ask
yourself -- can these items be reused or recycled? If the answer is no, why not
try to think of some other alternative. Every year many families send up to 83
square kilometers of holiday items to the landfill and this practice will kill
the planet. It is estimated that the pollution from Christmas items and
activities is greater than that caused by automobiles each year.
You may
want to start slow this year by gathering the family together and discuss what
efforts you will all try to make. Decide on a couple of the following that will
make a difference without sacrificing family traditions.
1.
Send fewer cards and
greetings. Most of your friends probably have computers so why not send their
greetings by E-mail. You can either design your own, possibly using a family
photo or use one of the sites that offer e-cards. If you do need to buy some
cards choose ones that are printed on recycled paper or the ones where a portion
of the proceeds go to a charity.
2.
Wrapping paper is a
big cause of pollution each year. If you have some from last year, use it
sparingly for those who enjoy the thrill of unwrapping or for the gifts that
have to be mailed. For hand delivered gifts use reusable bags that can be used
for shopping during the year. It isn’t hard to make them yourself if you have a
sewing machine, and you can make a selection of different sizes and shapes. You
could also use paper bags; let the children decorate them with water colors,
crayons or pictures from old cards, scraps of wrapping paper, etc., pages from
coloring books, or decorated recycled paper can also be used. Another option is
to use cookie tins, storage or freezer containers, kitchen towels, scarves, etc.
You could also choose gifts that don’t require wrapping, such as gift
certificates, theater tickets, or offers to baby sit, wash windows, or other
services. If you feel you must buy rolls of paper choose some made from
recycled paper that does not contain plastic, chemicals, glitter, or other
harmful items.
3.
For decorations why
not check your yard and nearby fields to find acorns, evergreen boughs, holly,
etc. and make your own wreaths and garlands. If you need a new tree consider a
live one, potted ones can be transplanted to your yard after Christmas. If you
do want an artificial one make sure it is a size you can store and use for
several years. For more tree decorations string cranberries and popcorn, use
candy canes, or let the children make some out of recycled paper. New lights
should be LED’s, they are just as pretty and use 90% less hydro and won’t get as
hot. For outdoors you can get solar lights.
4.
When going shopping
for gifts take your own reusable bags with you. When choosing battery operated
items check to see if rechargeable ones can be used. Gift packages and baskets
often contain waste items that will end up in the landfill, see if there is a
way you could package the items yourself if a greener way.
Continue
to consider the planet on Christmas Day and as you open your gifts, separate the
wrapping that can be reused or recycled from the landfill waste. Larger pieces
of wrapping paper can be used next year for smaller gifts or making gift tags
and decorations. If we could all cut our waste by 1/3 it would make a
tremendous difference.
Sources
http://www.christmaslightsanddecorations.com/tips-green-christmas.aspx
http://www.mahalo.com/how-to-have-a-green-christmas
http://www.homemakers.com/life-and-balance | 
