Make Your Holidays A Little Greener

The holidays are here and its definitely more of a challenge to be eco-friendly during this time of year. In the US, we produce around 25% more waste during the holidays. Therefore, now is important than ever to be aware and educated in the ways in which we can eliminate unnecessary waste. Here are some tips to reduce your waste this Christmas and make your holidays a little greener...

1) Make your own gift wrap. By getting a little creative you can save money and "green up" your holidays by not buying any gift wrap this year. There are countless alternatives to store-bought gift wrap. Using old fabric scraps is a great way to get rid of old fabric while wrapping presents in a fun and unique way. You can even add velcro to fabric to make a great re-usable gift wrap. Old newspapers and magazines are another great, green option for wrapping paper. I love the idea of putting a gift inside a gift. If you are giving a smaller gift why not put it in a cool basket, flower pot, or jar. And make sure to save the gift wrap that comes on your presents. Perfect to use for next year's gifts, Christmas cards, and Christmas decorations.

2) Give green gifts. Try to buy gifts that are not over-packaged. Books are always great, re-useable options. Avoid plastic toys. Instead look for sustainable materials such as wooden toys, cotton or wool toys, or toys made from recycled materials. Make your own baked goods, jams, soaps, or sewing projects. Not only green but so personal and really appreciated. Give gift cards or certificates. Concert tickets, spa services, and restaurant gift cards are all great options that limit holiday waste.

3) Avoid gifts that require batteries or include reusable batteries. Alkaline batteries, when discarded, produce toxins that are both extremely harmful to our health and to the environment.

4) Bring your own re-usable shopping bags. Its such an easy change to make that can really make a difference. Many people are bringing their own bags when they grocery shop now, which is GREAT, but make sure you bring your own bags for ALL shopping trips, including Christmas shopping. Leave your bags in the trunk of your car so you have them ready for any impromptu shopping. My mom introduced me to a great re-usable bag that wraps up in itself and fits into your purse so you always have one with you. Worst case, if you don't have a bag on you, hold your purchase in your hand. We are so used to getting bags for every little purchase, but often times don't even need them. Once you become conscious of this habit it becomes second nature and you will never use a plastic bag again!

5) Recycle your Christmas tree and lights. Although a potted tree that can be replanted after Christmas is the best option, there are ways to be environmental about a traditional "cut down" tree. Cities now offer tree recycling programs that turn Christmas trees into mulch used in playgrounds, hiking trails, landscaping, and gardening. Old burned-out Christmas lights can now be recycled too. Christmas Light Source Recycling Program will recycle the materials and donate the proceeds to a literacy program. Also, avoid artificial snow on your Christmas tree and use baking soda instead. Much better for the environment and for you to inhale.

6) Recycle old gadgets. Cell phones can be donated or recycles. Bring old toasters, microwaves, tvs, alarm clocks to thrift stores or shelters. They may be old to you but still valuable to many others.

7) Get off mailing lists. I was getting a million magazines and catalogs after ordering things online for work and was calling each company one by one which was such a pain! Finally someone told me there was a way to do it all at once. The DMA (Direct Marketing Association) website enables you to eliminate all of the mailings through one site. Click here for the steps to stop all the wasteful and annoying mailings.

There are a million and one ways to reduce waste be more eco-friendly this holiday season- pick the ones that fit best in your life. Personal green gifts will often save money too... a win-win for everyone! Have a safe, happy, and green holiday!