Beth Aldrich, mother
of three, is a Healthy Lifestyle-Green Living Expert, media
personality, writer and public speaker. She is the publisher
and founder of forherinformation.com,
the online magazine for women and former host of the PBS TV
series, For Her Information. To find out more about Beth,
log on to bethaldrich.com.
 The
holidays are a time of joy and thanksgiving and this year,
you can also make it a time of renewal for the planet. Without
going to too much trouble, you can implement several green
aspects into your holiday preparations and celebrations.
Technology to Save Energy: You are going to be on
the computer anyway, so consider sending holiday greetings
to family and friends via e-mail. For lots of holiday fun,
check out Elf
Yourself to turn yourself and family members
into elves for the holidays—virtually.
Reuse It: If you prefer to send handwritten notes,
make your own cards with paper you already have. Or look for
holiday cards printed on recycled paper. Eliminate envelope
waste by sending postcards or folding and sealing notes so
you can address them on the outside. Every bit of paper you
save, really adds up and it saves you money on postage!
Recycled Party: When hosting holiday parties, use
reusable glass or plastic ware, and recycled paper napkins.
Marcal Small Steps products are made from 100%
recycled paper rather than from trees, making your party oh-so-eco-chic
and festive. At Biodegradable
Store, you can find various biodegradable paper plates
and cutlery to keep your party green through and through.
Bag It: Lately everyone seems to be remembering their
reusable grocery bags at the grocery store, but we also need
to carry our own canvas bag or backpack, or reuse shopping
bags when shopping for gifts and holiday decorations. One
smart choice is Chico
Bag’s new rePETe bag made from seven plastic bottles
that would ordinarily end up in landfills; instead, they’re
put to good use in this reusable tote that can carry up to
25 pounds of gifts, food and other goodies.
Non-Material: Any mother will tell you that she’d
prefer receiving gifts of your time or services. Consider
a free breakfast in bed or perhaps a lunch date. Save valuable
resources and share some quality time with a loved one. Consider
gift certificates—for restaurants, movies, babysitting,
etc.—or give consumable items such as baked goods.
Give What Is Needed: Resist the urge to spend money
on fad gifts that may not even be used; instead, give gifts
that are on someone’s list and are possibly made locally
or in the US. This approach results in happy gift recipients
and a happy planet (less waste).
Re-gifting Is Not a Crime: Pass along hand-me-downs
and heirlooms as special gifts for family members. These are
also called “story gifts” because they carry stories
with them, and often invoke treasured memories. Share a story
and some history with a loved one!
It’s a Wrap: According to the Medical University of
South Carolina, waste output increases 25 percent during the
holiday season. When wrapping gifts, consider re-using packaging
from previous years or maybe even use the funny pages from
the newspaper or use recycled wrapping paper. Get creative
and use unique containers to hold gifts, such as cloth sacks
or boxes from other products. Save countless trees and give
your creativity muscle a boost!
Ever-Green: Everyone loves the smell of fresh cut
holiday trees, however, Consider alternatives to a cut tree,
such as a live tree, decorated houseplant or artificial tree.
To maintain that reminiscent evergreen odor, consider tree-scented
air fresheners or candles. Check out EarthKind
for some eco-friendly options. Also, remember to recycle your
Christmas tree when you can no longer use it. Many neighborhoods
have tree recycling programs.
Decorate with Nature: Use natural items from around
the house to decorate your tree, such as popcorn, berries
and outdoor greens. Mother Nature will be so proud!
Buy Energy-Saving “LED” Holiday Lights: Now you
can decorate your house with LED lights that use 90 percent
less energy than conventional holiday lights, and can save
your family up to $50 on your energy bills during the holiday
season. LED lights are available at many major retailers,
including Target, CostCo and Ace Hardware.
Buy Organic or Locally-Grown Produce: And cook at
least some vegetarian meals—make the most out of food
resources and fuel. Support local family farmers who grow
sustainable meat and produce. Not only does it taste better,
you’ll be doing your part for the planet too. Consider preparing
food that does not have to be refrigerated to lower the amount
of power wasted by continually opening and closing the fridge.
Give away untouched leftovers and unwanted gifts. Others less
fortunate than you could be very appreciative of these re-given
gifts.
Fair-Trade Chocolate: Fill your stockings with Fair-Trade
Chocolate and you can eat your way to a better planet. Consider
Divine
Chocolate, whose mission is to improve the livelihood
of smallholder cocoa producers in West Africa by establishing
their own dynamic chocolate brand.
Cool House: Take a pledge this New Years’ to reduce
your home energy use by buying energy-efficient light bulbs.
Installing only six compact fluorescent light bulbs will save
the average American family $60 per year. If there’s a fire
in your fireplace this Christmas, turn down that thermostat—lowering
the temperature even five degrees can take 10 percent off
your energy bill.
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