Tip 1: Low Energy LED Lights
All households should get rid of their old traditional strings of lights and replace them with the new LED (light emitting diode) strings of lights. These use up to 90% less energy than traditional Christmas lights. They also produce very little heat which reduces the risk of fire and last about 10 times longer than traditional lights.
Tip 2: Green Christmas Tree
The main question of the season, a fake or real Christmas tree?? Since most Christmas lot trees are now grown on tree farms, some argue that it doesn't really hurt the forests when they get cut down because they are generally replanted. And they also argue in favor of fresh trees because artificial ones are fabricated from petroleum based products and of course, energy is used to make them. The other side of the argument is that artificial trees are better because you don't waste gas going to the lot every year to buy the tree.
If you get a real Christmas tree this year, recycle it at the end of the season, rather than throwing it in the trash. By recycling your fresh tree, you can reduce the amount of waste going to your local landfill. Recycled trees are often turned into wood chips and/or mulch that local county park landscapers and homeowners can use around their existing yard plants. Many local cities are now offering tree recycling pick-up for free.
Tip 3: Eco-Friendly Christmas Card
In most families it is a tradition to send out Christmas cards to all your family and friends. This year, try and be more sustainable by buying cards that have been made from recycled paper or a sustainable forest. Also try and look for cards from an organization that uses the funds to make a difference. Once the Christmas season is over, instead of throwing the cards you have received away, recycle them.
When you go Christmas shopping, take your own cloth tote bags with you to carry home the presents. You can look fashionable with some of the cool totes on the market today. This is a great way to cut down on the plastic bag waste that we create during the holiday season. Also if stores offer you 'free' holiday gift boxes, decline unless you absolutely plan to use them. All those free gift boxes create a lot of unnecessary waste.
One great way to reduce holiday waste is by recycling gift wrapping paper. Using re-usable gift bags and gift boxes with printed holiday lids are great ideas because the bags and boxes don't get torn (like wrapping paper) so reusing them is easy from year to year. If you do use gift wrap, buy recycled wrap at the store. Most major retailers now sell wrap that is made from recycled paper. Finally, save and reuse all those holiday ribbons and bows from year to year. You can even consider using natural items like big holly berry and leaves from your yard to decorate presents rather than loads of ribbon.
Another idea is to give gifts that don't require much, if any, wrapping at all. For instance, sporting event or theater tickets, a weekend at the spa, store gift cards, and hand-written certificates for a free night of baby sitting are not only great holiday gift ideas, but they also require little or no gift wrap. If you are really gung-ho about recycling, you could use an old Christmas card to present the tickets or gift certificates.
Some families go a bit overboard with presents. Consider doing a name exchange so that each person only gets one present (instead of everyone getting a present for everyone else). This will make the gift more special and it will cut down on waste.
Finally, consider making your own gifts to help reduce waste. Baked goods like Christmas cookies, homemade jams and other treats are great for those that are good in the kitchen. Be sure to give them in reusable containers too!
If you happen to receive a gift that you don't want, give it to charity or return it (if possible) rather than throwing it away. There is likely someone out there that would cherish such a gift.
One great way to reduce holiday waste is by recycling gift wrapping paper. Using re-usable gift bags and gift boxes with printed holiday lids are great ideas because the bags and boxes don't get torn (like wrapping paper) so reusing them is easy from year to year. If you do use gift wrap, buy recycled wrap at the store. Most major retailers now sell wrap that is made from recycled paper. Finally, save and reuse all those holiday ribbons and bows from year to year. You can even consider using natural items like big holly berry and leaves from your yard to decorate presents rather than loads of ribbon.
Another idea is to give gifts that don't require much, if any, wrapping at all. For instance, sporting event or theater tickets, a weekend at the spa, store gift cards, and hand-written certificates for a free night of baby sitting are not only great holiday gift ideas, but they also require little or no gift wrap. If you are really gung-ho about recycling, you could use an old Christmas card to present the tickets or gift certificates.
Some families go a bit overboard with presents. Consider doing a name exchange so that each person only gets one present (instead of everyone getting a present for everyone else). This will make the gift more special and it will cut down on waste.
Finally, consider making your own gifts to help reduce waste. Baked goods like Christmas cookies, homemade jams and other treats are great for those that are good in the kitchen. Be sure to give them in reusable containers too!
If you happen to receive a gift that you don't want, give it to charity or return it (if possible) rather than throwing it away. There is likely someone out there that would cherish such a gift.
Tip 5: Green Holiday Meal
During the Christmas season you can expect there will be plenty of family dinners and corporate holiday parties. Remember to be eco-friendly when planning these dinners or events.
Recycle glass bottles and cans that party guests consumed. Many communities now offer curbside recycling so politely ask guests to place their bottles and cans in the specially marked bin instead of the trash at the party. After large parties, you may need to store some of the recyclables in the garage, putting out what will fit in your curbside bin over several weeks.
When cooking the big family holiday meal, you'll likely use some aluminum foil. Don't forget that it is totally recyclable in most curbside pick-up bins.
Plan your holiday menu and buy your groceries wisely. Buy only what you need and if you can buy local produce instead of items that need to be shipped in from other countries, you'll reduce energy waste needed to get the food to your area.
If you don't have a composter, consider getting one. Compost is great for the yard and it cuts down significantly on the amount of waste that goes to the landfill.
Save water during party clean-up by scraping the dinner plates before placing them in the dishwasher (rather than rinsing them). Having the tap water on for a minute can waste up to 2 gallons of water so the less time the water is on, the better!
When cooking the big family holiday meal, you'll likely use some aluminum foil. Don't forget that it is totally recyclable in most curbside pick-up bins.
Plan your holiday menu and buy your groceries wisely. Buy only what you need and if you can buy local produce instead of items that need to be shipped in from other countries, you'll reduce energy waste needed to get the food to your area.
If you don't have a composter, consider getting one. Compost is great for the yard and it cuts down significantly on the amount of waste that goes to the landfill.
Save water during party clean-up by scraping the dinner plates before placing them in the dishwasher (rather than rinsing them). Having the tap water on for a minute can waste up to 2 gallons of water so the less time the water is on, the better!
