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Green Thumb Thursday: Have a Green Christmas

by Alexa on December 17, 2009

Helping the environment is something you have to do every day, even on a holiday. But having a green Christmas can be creative, fun–and even save you money. Here are some tips for staying green during the holidays.

Wrapping paper looks nice, but it’s really a waste of paper. You already know about creating your own wrapping paper. Another way to save paper is to use gift bags. They come in as many colors and designs as wrapping paper but can be re-used many times. My friend and I have been exchanging the same Mickey Mouse gift bag on birthdays and Christmases for three years!

Greeting cards also use up a lot of paper. Instead of buying cards and envelopes at the store, use what’s around the house. Draw or paint your own cards, or print them out from your computer. For that matter, you can go paper-free and send e-cards through sites like Blue Mountain or 123 Greetings.

For Christmas lights, whether they’re on your roof or on your tree, use LED lights instead of incandescent bulbs; they last longer and use about 90% less energy. Also, use automatic timers that shut off your lights when it gets late–is anyone enjoying your Christmas display at 3 a.m.?

Have a green Christmas!

By the way, if there are a lot of people coming over, you won’t need the heat on as much. Turn it down as far as you can comfortably go; this saves energy and money.

Your gifts can be green, too. If you’re giving something electronic, add rechargeable batteries as a stocking stuffer. Better yet, give homemade gifts like jewelry you make yourself or cookies you’ve baked. You can avoid the problem of clothes not fitting or gadgets not working by giving people experiences instead of things. You can give lessons in something, from pottery to horseback riding; tickets to a play or a concert; manicures, massages, or spa treatments; or something as simple as a trip to the zoo.

After the holidays, recycle as much as possible. Keep bows and ribbons along with the gift bags. Recycle wrapping paper and all the cardboard packaging from your presents. If you bought a real tree, take it to the local recycling center after the holidays. There, it can be turned into mulch and help grow a whole new generation of Christmas trees. And don’t waste food either: be sure you eat all your leftovers!

Happy sustainable holidays!

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Tagged as: cards, christmas, gifts, Green, trees

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Michelle December 17, 2009 at 2:38 pm: Last year I made friendship bracelets for my besties. It was a really fun project, and now we all have matching ones.