Dreaming of a Green Christmas?

During the holiday season, we are consumed with details such as decorating the house, gift ideas and meal planning. With all this on our minds, it’s easy to exclude environmental concerns from our to-do lists. Here are some simple ideas to help put a clean planet back on your wish list.

1. Try an artificial Christmas tree.
An artificial tree is a great alternative to a live tree. You’ll only pay for it once, and it’ll last for years! If you think you’ll miss waking up to that fresh pine scent on Christmas morning, try spraying the tree with pine-scented essential oils. Or if you still aren’t feeling the fake Fir, consider buying a potted live tree, then planting it outside when it warms up. Decorate the tree with garland rather than lights as it looks great and saves energy. Finally, use natural, compost-friendly ornaments such as holly, cranberries or popcorn.

2. Get creative with the wrapping.
Most gifts given at Christmas are already pre-packaged in paper, plastic, and cardboard and then wrapped again in holiday gift-wrap for the “surprise-effect.” Here is a creative way to incorporate the three R’s into your holidays while still surprising your present recipient. Reuse yesterday’s newspaper and wrap your goofy dad’s gift in the comics section. Reduce the amount of material you give by choosing gifts such as a gym membership or pay a friend’s cellphone bill. Lastly, be sure to recycle all the packaging from the gifts you receive this year!

3. Go green with your holiday meal.
Meal planning can be difficult to keep green considering the traditional holiday meal in North America is quite abundant, and uses a lot of energy to prepare. Try a vegetarian-based or raw-food based Christmas dinner. You’ll save tons of carbon emissions from polluting our atmosphere because meat uses a lot of energy to clean, keep cool and cook. Try buying local and organic ingredients for your recipes! Be sure to send leftovers home with your guests, and compost any food that won’t be eaten.