Here are some simple tips to help make your impact on the environment just a little bit less, during this holiday season.
1. Travel smart: Make shopping lists and try to buy as many things as you can in a single trip. Not only will you save on time and energy getting your shopping done, you will spend less in gas and lessen your emissions driving around and around the parking lots looking for a space.
2. Use less gift wrap: Consider using something usable as wrapping paper. Some great ideas are dish towels, diapers, blankets, or even garbage bags. Small items can be stuck in a stocking cap or a pair of socks that is tied off with string, and reusable shopping bags can be used all year round. If you must wrap with paper, try using materials from your recycling bin: newsprint is always great, as are paper shopping bags. One year I even used a pizza box tied shut with butcher’s twine.
3. Send less greeting cards: In this digital age, sending a nice personal email can be even better than the old fashioned card. Besides all the paper that is used (most of which goes into the landfill), you can save time aggravation and expense. Why not make a nice holiday email with a picture that can be saved as a holiday wallpaper for your loved ones. Chances are they will see it more than the card that is lost among the hundred others they got, anyway. If you are not convinced, lessen your impact by buying the smallest card you can find. The smaller the card the less paper needed. The last time I sent cards,, I sent postcards-less paper and no envelope. You can even make your own by cutting down the fronts of card you received last year! Look for card & envelopes that use recycled content.
4. Buy Local: Local businesses need your support now more than ever. Try and buy local products and support local artists and artisans, but at least spend your dollars at a local retailer. They are the backbone of the local economy and need your money far more than Wal-Mart or Target. Besides, you may find something unique and special that you cannot get from a chain store.
5. Use timers: Putting your holiday lights on timers means they will not burn all night and day. Have them on only when they can be truly enjoyed.
6. Recycle: Paper, cards, bows, even your tree can be reused or recycled.
7. Buy gifts that are useful: Gifts that can be used are far more green than something that sits on a shelf. Even an ugly sweater can be donated to a homeless shelter, but what can you really do with another vase? Consider gifts of food. Charities are in dire need in tough economic times, so think about making a donation to charity in the name of a loved one. It is a gift that gives twice.
Of course there are many more, but these are all pretty simple ideas that anyone can do. They can be incorporated into your holiday plans without too much effort and without taking away from your holiday traditions.
