I love the Christmas season. Every part of it! The holiday spirit, the decorations, and the parties. But can we combine consumption with green consciousness? Absolutely. Here are some easy ideas to keep your green sanity during the holidays.
1. Starts with the Christmas Tree:
Go with the real version rather than the PVC laden one. Check out my Charlie Brown Christmas post which tells you how to source a tree from a sustainable farm, how to replant a live tree rather than cut one down to where you can rent a tree (depending on where you live.)
My preference, if possible, obtain a tree that you can replant or use an alternative type plant. Doesn’t a rosemary bush tree sound divine?
Or simply be creative. No one said you have to have a tree. Check out alternative Christmas tree ideas to get your creative juices flowing. Old books anyone?
2. X-Nay the Wrapping Paper
Gift wrap and all the trimmings is such a waste when you can simply look in the cabinets or even the recycling bin to wrap your gifts. Here are some ideas:
- Reuse old Cards to Make Gift Tags. (Don’t have any? Start saving for next year.) See how I use mine.
- Wrap with the funny pages to give your giftee a chuckle.
- Wrap Minimally. See my suggestions here where LESS is MORE.
- Use Sustainable Bows and Ribbons. I’ve taken the guess work out of it for you. Buy sustainable bows here and here.
3. Light up with LEDs
Be sure to string LED lights around your home rather than conventional lights. Check this handy calculator to see your energy consumption for both conventional versus LED lighting.
4. Holiday Cards
5. De-Stress Shopping for Holiday Dresses
How many times do you wear the same dress? Okay, more than twice or three times? Girlfriend, be serious. Why bother to buy when you can rent amazing designer dresses. I did for my son’s bar mitzvah.
So, if I can do this for such a big event so can you.
So think of the green that you will be saving by renting. No one needs to know you rented that amazing designer dress.
Join the Conversation:
- What are your favorite tips on how to make the holidays greener?
- Have you or will you use any of the above ideas during the holiday season?
- Have you ever rented a dress, handbag, etc?
Note, some affiliate links in the post. GT earns a small commission to help keep rolling out great content.
Photo by Dreamscape Photographs
Kari says
I don’t understand why buying a live tree every year would be more eco-friendly than reusing a plastic tree for decades. I could see you recommending purchasing a used faux tree from the thrift store or using a family hand-me-down instead of purchasing a new one, but I don’t see how cutting down a tree every year (and having millions of people doing so nationwide) is good for the environment?
Anna@Green Talk says
Kari, I actually advocate to not cut down the tree but replant it. I am in the minority since it is a lot easier said than done. You can only keep the tree inside for a week. I also point to alternatives to cutting down trees to in my Charlie Brown article, such as renting, alternative trees, etc.
Most people are going to choose between a live one and a plastic one. I do see your point but a PVC laden tree is so hazardous to the environment and the health of the family. Many contain lead.
I do wish more people would replant or companies would spring up offering to replant in parks, etc. http://chej.org/2011/12/top-fi.....ay-season/. Thanks for your comment. Anna
Anna@Green Talk says
Kari, I updated the post to reflect my thoughts. Thanks for catching this issue. Anna
Kari says
Thank you- I was honestly just curious. I always thought I was doing a greener good by reusing the same tree every year. This does make me want to look closer at what it is made out of, though it was very cheap so I assume my answer isn’t going to be good!!
Thanks for your post!!
Anna@Green Talk says
Kari, thank you since I honestly wasn’t that clear. It does pain me to see people chop down trees. I honestly thought with the eco-movement that companies would be offering to replant trees for people. Sounds like you had a lot of fun at Knott’s Merry Farm! Love the Snoopy!
Kiva says
Christmas can be such a wasteful holiday so it’s great to keep green on the mind when going through the holiday. With all the presents coming in it’s a fine time to donate and give away things that are not being used.