TIPS FOR A GREENER HOLIDAY SEASON

Tips for a Greener Holiday Season

Rethink gifts

• When thinking of gifts, think of what will be meaningful to the recipient. Is it a batch of your special cookies? A night out? Or a really unique necklace from a consignment shop? Think about homemade options like granola or jams; experiences that support local restaurants, arts or non-profits; or buying used or repurposed gifts. Browse fairs, bazaars and antique shops for singular, meaningful gifts.

Skip Wrapping Paper

• Wrapping paper waste adds up! Instead of buying new paper, get creative. Got newspaper? Let your kids stamp green trees on it. Have a scarf you don’t use? Repurpose it as cloth wrapping. If you do use wrapping paper, collect salvageable pieces, bows and ribbon to use for next year. Cloth gift sacks can be reused year after year.
• Make the wrapping part of the gift, like filling garden pots with gardening supplies. A mixing bowl or stockpot makes an excellent package for your favorite cook.

Decorate Naturally

• Greenery from your yard looks great and can smell great too! Take clippings of holly, spruce, or arborvitae, and use it to decorate throughout your house. Create fun activities with the kids and adorn the greenery with flowers, fresh fruit, dried citrus, popcorn strings, pine cones, and salt clay ornaments.
• Cut trees are greener than artificial trees. This year consider a live tree - look for one with a root ball native to your area.

Shop local

• Support local businesses and your downtown community. Walk or bike to stores and save gas, and CO2 emissions from the air.
• Shop local for food by visiting farms and farmers markets, and buying in season.
• Don’t forget reusable shopping bags!

Be energy efficient

• LEDs are 90% more efficient than traditional lights.
• If your gift needs batteries, include rechargeable ones with the gift.