Tips For A Greener Christmas

Christmas has long faced skepticism for having veered away from its spiritual roots and, instead, become a token of commercialism grandeur. This season, why not step away from the rat race and show your love, not only for family and friends, but also for this great planet that we live on? In keeping with environmental awareness that has recently swept over our land, here are 10 ways that you can help protect our planet, show your love, and ensure that everyone enjoy a great “green” holiday season.

1. Get yourself a “greener” evergreen.

Living Christmas trees are gaining popularity, once again, and why not? Instead of having to go cut down a tree, or marching down to the Christmas tree stand and paying those outrageous prices for pre-cut trees, living Christmas trees allow us to bring our tree inside our home for the season and, when it’s over, we can then replant it outside. That’s a much happier thought than driving along and noting all the discarded trees in the trash after New Year’s. If that isn’t incentive enough, living trees smell better, last a long time without dropping half the needles all over your floor, and pose less of a fire risk than their dead and drying counterparts (care should still be taken, even with living trees, to prevent fire hazards though).

Another option is getting an artificial tree this year. Artificial trees are a good way to show that you disapprove of cutting down living trees, as well as the fact that they come in all different shapes, sizes, and colors. Even more useful, artificial trees can be boxed up, put in the basement, and used again and again, for years to come.

Still not convinced? If you simply must have a cut tree, be sure to minimize waste when the season is done. Instead of throwing your tree alongside the road for the trash man to pick up, ensure that it gets somewhere that it can be mulched and recycled to improve the environment.

2. Made in Yourtown, USA.

Not only does it help to improve the economy where you live, but it also saves on the expenditure of fossil fuels, not having to ship goods or drive all over, looking for items. Local stores can often provide some really unique and unforgettable gifts. Even better, why not visit a local craft store and make some of your own presents? Another wonderful idea (and inexpensive too!) is to check out local thrift shops - treasures can often be found there, for low prices, and only require a little TLC to make one-of-a-kind gifts that everyone will love.

3. Theme It.

Instead of wasting petrol this year, cut back and try shopping for everyone in themes. This will allow you to do all your Christmas shopping in just a couple of stores, saving you time, money and energy. Some great ideas for themes are books, music, sweaters or, if your family is proud of their heritage, shopping in stores that specialize in Scottish, Irish or German-inspired goods can also be a fun way to brighten up the holidays. Stores that cater to all different ethnicities can be found, usually just with a quick trip through your local yellow pages.

4. Save Our Endangered Critters.

A unique “green” gift, this season, is to “adopt” an endangered animal in the name of your friend or loved one. This is an ideal present for children, as most organizations will send a stuffed animal toy, photographs, or even a birth or adoption certificate on the animal. While whales and wolves tend to be the most commonly adopted pets, there are a large number of endangered species that can be adopted. For more information, contact The World Wildlife Fund, Defenders of Wildlife, or even your local zoo.

On a side note - Never give live animals to people for holiday presents (especially to children). It’s a known fact that most animals bought during the holidays are usually purchased spur-of-the-moment and a large number of them end up abandoned, unwanted and neglected, or in the local animal shelter. If you’re considering buying your loved one a puppy or kitten, wait until after the holiday hype is over, ensure that your loved one truly wants and is able to care for said pet, and then make an educated decision, based on the facts. The animals will thank you for it.

5. Gift Bagging It.

Gift bags are not only gaining popularity, they are also easier to use than trying to fight with rolls of paper, tape, glitter and bows. Additionally, gift bags can be reused, again and again. For the ultimate in environmentally friendly packaging, find reusable bags made of recycled paper or plastic.

6. Wrap It Again, Sam.

Undamaged paper, gift bags, bows and tissue papers can be salvaged, stored and used again, the following year. Even if the edges are crumpled or torn, the bad parts can be trimmed away and the paper then used to wrap smaller parcels. It’s a great way of cutting down on waste.

7. Go Recycled.

If you’ve run out, and you need new wrapping paper, avoid that thick and glittery expensive stuff and look for paper and greeting cards that have been made from recycled materials. Ideally, you want to look for items that contain high PCW (Post Consumer Waste) content, which means that the materials are recycled from consumer waste, not excess waste from the paper mills.

8. Turn Your Package Into Your Gift.

This is a unique and thoughtful way to decorate your Christmas packages. Instead of spending a fortune on wrapping papers, ribbon and bows, try wrapping presents in useful items, such as a tee-shirt or a pretty scarf. Jewelry can be used in place of ribbons and bows and, rather than using cellophane that will only be crumpled up and thrown away, why not wrap up baked goods into a set of organic cotton dinner napkins? This way, not only can they used to hold in the crumbs for the holidays, but they can be used again and again, for days to come.

9. Natural Trims.

Natural fibers like raffia and hemp are plentiful, don’t come from trees, and make wonderful accents for our Christmas wrappings. Abundant without damaging our environment, they can be twisted, curled and tied in bows. Tie jingle bells to the ends for a festive sound and, if you’re looking for another nice gift or accent, try finding some bamboo articles - made from sustainable wood, bamboo is beautiful, useful, and all the rage.

10. Grow It.

Perhaps the most creative “green” idea for this holiday season would have to be new plantable paper products. “What’s that,” you ask? Plantable paper products are natural gift tags and Christmas cards that are embedded with tree or flower seeds. After the holidays and when the season is right, you just plant them, water, and voila! Now they have the “greenest” gift that they can ask for. Perfect for children and adults, alike, everyone can get into the spirit and enjoy this kind of present.

Recycling and protecting our environment doesn’t have to be a chore. Take advantage of the holidays and show family and friends, alike, just how economical and fun it can be to “think green.” Your planet will definitely appreciate it.


~Written by Shawna L. Krautheim
2006