I’m dreaming of a GREEN Christmas . . .
Here are some tips from Pat Taylor at the General meeting on December 3 on being more Eco-Friendly this holiday season. And guess what? It will also be a less stressful and consumption-driven time of year in the process.
Gifting…
$75 billion on gifts is spent each year in the US… but let’s remember: Less is more.
- Make every gift count … Purchase only things with value, purpose and meaning.
- Consider having the family draw names rather than give gifts to everyone. This way gifts are thoughtful and unique. Or do a second-hand white elephant exchange with friends. Then no one has to buy a thing plus gets lots of laughs.
- Choose sustainable materials …cotton, hemp, silk, wood are all natural & renewable.
- Buy local. Support your community & local economy.
- Avoid glossy or metallic wrapping paper.
During the holiday season, there is 25% more garbage and waste produced. Gift wrappings is a big part of that statistic. Try new ways of wrapping gifts – fabrics, tea towels, even recycled grocery bags for a natural look. Recycle your paper gift wrap by putting it through a shredder and then using it as pretty packing material.
- Be efficient with your shopping. Do as much in one day as you can. Follow a list to avoid multiple shopping trips.
- Recycle last year’s Xmas cards into this year’s gift tags
- 2 billion Xmas cards are sent annually. How about sending electronic Christmas cards; sending holiday texts or making seasonal telephone calls.
Decorating…
Again, Less is More
- Decorate with nature. (We Naples Garden Clubbers have been doing this for years!)
- 25 million live Xmas trees are cut each year. A live tree is a good thing especially if you usually replace your artificial tree every 3 or 4 years. Otherwise, use your artificial tree for at least ten years. Then it is the eco-friendly way to go. A potted live tree is also a super alternative.
- Replace old light strands with LED lights. They can save you up to 90% on power and have a longer life.
- Use timers. Or else it could be a “Oops, I left the lights on all night”.
Gatherings …
Could it be? Less is more once more?
Celebrate together – pool resources with friends or family and combine guest lists for one larger get-together. - Focus parties as time to connect, relax and celebrate.
- Create a natural centerpiece.
- Bring out the china, silver and cloth napkins. Skip wasteful
paper products - Avoid serving individual beverages – opt for large quantities
served in pitchers rather than single-serving water bottles and soda cans. - Strive to keep your menus to foods that are in season and even better yet locally grown. 25% of the energy used in the US is for the food sector. Each food in a typical American meal has traveled an average of 1500 miles. Hope you enjoyed these glad … and green ….tidings.