Image by iprole, sxc.hu
Helping out with the environment might seem like it flies in the face of a lot of what we get from the commercialized image of Christmas. It's true, things are increasingly more consumer driven in our society, but we can do our part to change that, at least in our own lives. It can make this holiday, which often runs the risk of becoming overly concerned with material things, a little simpler, even a little more personal.
Wrapping Presents
First of all: wrapping paper is expensive! So are those gift bags! We've all looked at the price tag on some really good-looking paper and cringed. And it all gets torn up anyway. You might consider forgoing this process altogether, but, if you still want to keep the anticipation and suspense of opening gifts, there are a few alternatives to traditional store-bought methods:
- Buy wrapping paper or gift bags made from recycled materials.
- Paper bags from the grocery store or the places that you bought your gifts can be easily converted into wrapping material.
- Be creative: do you have jars, tins, or boxes that could be decorated festively?
- Newspaper and magazines can make fun and interesting wrapping paper. You could even make some cross-out poetry on it.
TIP: Making hand-made gifts out of reusable materials is a way to go green and save money at the same time. For more hand-made gift ideas, check out our guide "Celebrating an Economical Christmas."
Decorations
Tinsel and streamers might look nice, but, if you are only going to throw them out later, think about decorating your home with reusable or biodegradable items. If you bought a live Christmas tree, use some of the branches in a centerpiece, wreath, or other decorative scenario. Seasonal fruits and vegetables can also give your home a warm, festive feeling without making waste.
The Tree
If you have decided to have a greener Christmas, but you haven't decided between an artificial tree or a real one, you may want to weigh the pros and cons of each.
Artificial trees
Pros
- They are reusable.
- They are inexpensive.
- They are more convenient for city residents.
- You can put them up earlier in the season and not have to worry about them drying out.
Cons
- They're not biodegradable.
- They are often shipped long distances, increasing their carbon footprints.
- If you want to reuse them, you have to preserve them.
Real trees
Photo by mentat, sxc.hu
Pros
- They are biodegradable.
- They can be recycled or reused as mulch, wood chips, and compost.
- They trap CO2 and convert it to oxygen.
- You could use the wood for a fire.
- They smell terrific.
Cons
- Organic live trees are hard to come by.
- They can be loaded with pesticides.
- They require more cleanup and maintenance (i.e., sweeping up needles, watering them regularly).
- You will have to think ahead as far as recycling is concerned: what will you do with it? Does your town offer a tree recycling service?
So, weigh your options, and assess your own personal situation. Will you reuse that live tree? Will you reuse that artificial tree?
Hosting a Party
Taking the garbage out after a party can be depressing: so much stuff just gets thrown away. The whole process from soup to nuts can be carried out in a way that is gentler on the environment and sets a great example for the attendees.
- Instead of paper invitations, send notices out via e-mail.
- Encourage your guests to come via carpool. This will also make parking less of a frustration.
- Instead of using paper products, see if you can rent or borrow plates, glasses, and silverware.
- If you do decide to use paper products, opt for those that are biodegradable and/or made from recycled materials.
- Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste.
- Use the food waste in a compost pile.
Encouraging Others to Go Green
Being eco-conscious is a commendable attitude, but, if other members of your family or circle of friends don't approach it with the same verve, don't get discouraged. Keep it fun and light, and they're sure to want to participate, as long as they don't have cricks in their necks from looking up at you on your high horse!