Believe it or not, there are tons of ways to be Green for the holidays. You may even be taking Green initiatives without recognizing it.
Decor – Use natural elements such as flowers, fruit, pine boughs, laurel, etc. Not only will you appreciate their fragrances (vs. the toxic fumes off gassing from their plastic counterparts), but these organic materials will break down completely without harming the environment. When shopping for a tree, look for one with roots so that it can be planted in the spring.
Lights – If you plan on purchasing new strings this season, opt for LED’s. Light Emitting Diodes require minimum watts for operation and can last 100,000 hours. In other words, while these may cost a bit more than the typical string, you will save in utility costs to run them and won’t have to replace them so soon.
Gifts – This is a great time to encourage the Green movement among friends and family. Check out stores that offer green, organic products. If you are in the Concord area, Main Street alone has lots of opportunities to buy green. Here are some to name a few:
- Real Green Goods;
- Your Home, Your World;
- Earth Made;
- KAZA; and
- Concord COOP.
Gift Wrapping – Depending on how crafty you are, give fabric a try. A dab of hot glue would be your best bet as an adhesive. If wrapping with paper is preferred, look for recycled or FSC certified products. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international agency that promotes sustainably harvested wood, gathered from well-managed forests.
Gift Receiving – Your Great Aunt Bessie has the right idea by opening her gift with incredible care. Try salvaging wrapping paper this year; done right, you could save money and a tree for next season. Gift bags, ribbon, and bows can also be reused. At the very least, PLEASE RECYCLE all that you can.
