GREEN UP YOUR HOLIDAYS
By Carol Cornett
This is a very special time of the year. It is a time of joy, sharing, giving, and celebrating all that we have to be thankful for. This season does not have to be a time of stress, over-indulgence, or wasteful consumption and spending. Following are some tips for making your holidays more green and, in the process, being able to enjoy them a great deal more.
1. If you give gifts for the holidays, choose eco-friendly gifts like organic or recycled items. Another good choice would be handmade gifts or things that get used up like food, soap, or candles. Gifts that cut down on waste like reusable shopping bags or refillable water bottles would also be a good choice.
2. Instead of spending money on store-bought wrapping paper that ends up in a landfill, make your own gift wrapping from fabric, brown grocery bags, or use reusable gift bags or boxes.
3. If you send greeting cards, you could create your own cards. You could also use recycled paper or be creative by reusing old cards. Better still, save yourself time, money, and resources by going paperless with e-cards.
4. If you decorate your home with a tree, instead of cutting down a live one and throwing it away two weeks later, consider an artificial tree that can be reused year after year. Or better yet, buy a live tree and plant it outside after the holidays. You don't even need a tree -- large houseplants can be decorated or poinsettias and wreaths can make your home look festive.
5. Many people decorate the outside of their homes during the holidays. If you decorate with lights, try switching to solar lights. Wreaths, metal or wood decorations, and decorating your outside trees and bushes withornaments can achieve a very festive look without the need to waste energy on traditional lighting.
6. Quite a bit of food is wasted during the holidays. Much of it is thrown away. Be realistic about quantities, don't overindulge, and eat organic, healthy food whenever possible. Remember those that are less fortunate than you at the holidays and share with them. Each year, about 50 million turkeys are killed for Thanksgiving. Also, more than 22 million turkeys are killed for Christmas celebrations. Over 99% of these turkeys come from factory farms where conditions are deplorable. Tremendous amounts of water are wasted to raise poultry for human consumption and large amounts of pollution result from these practices. Vegan options are much more eco-friendy and humane.
Wishing you a happy and joyous holiday season!
