I’m dreaming of a GREEN Christmas…

Collage Tree by Danika Dinsmore

Happy Holidays! Merry Christmas!

If you like me dream of a green Christmas, you want to think about ways you can:

REDUCE

REUSE/RECREATE

RECYCLE

Here are some ideas about  how to get your “green”on this holiday season including trees, cards, wrap, electronics, yourself, and your home!

TREE

Years ago we bought a tree. We planned to plant it then cut it down later but it’s still in its pot. We keep it outside and watered and bring it in when it’s that time of year. We actually bring it by the front door after Thanksgiving and sometimes decorate it there and bring it in closer to Christmas since the tree does better outside than inside.

But if you have a live CUT tree, there’s a number of ways you can dispose of it more “greenly” including taking it outside for the birds to roost on and composting the needles. Many communities have green or brown waste or special tree pick up days.  Just don’t throw it in the trash! They take up a lot of room in the landfill and they can be of use.

CARDS

I love receiving mail; e-cards just aren’t the same as receiving  something in an envelope delivered to my door! While cards can be reused, you can also make something new and wonderful out of something “old” like Danika Dinsmore who took old photographs and collaged them to make this wonderful festive ” tree.” See another one of her creations and learn more about Danika’s card making process in this blog post.

Gift bags and tissue paper are SO easy to reuse–and easy to wrap!

If you use paper, the big pieces can be reused or repurposed; smaller pieces can be recycled as long as they’re not made from plastic.

Ribbons, too, can be saved and simply be taped on again and again all year.

Lots of people received electronics this holiday. What to do with the old electronics? If you can’t figure out a purpose for them and can’t pass them on to someone who can using Craigslist or Freecycle, Best Buy will take most electronics, even if you didn’t buy it from them.

Regifting is recycling but be sure you know who gave it to you!

You can also green your holidays by considering your use of the Earth’s resources, especially whether you’re heating yourself or the great outdoors.  Can you wear slippers? A sweater? A hat?

Does your house need a sweater? Is your roof clear of snow when your neighbors are covered? It’s a clear sign that your house:

a. lacks insulation (blue denim is best)
b. house too hot (keep it down to 68 degrees)
c. lights are on in the attic (what are you growing up there?)

What are some of the ways you’re greening YOUR holidays?