Green Traditions

“Conservation” and “Holidays” are normally not two words that ring together. This season, “going green” can bring about laughter, family bonding, new friendships, and a host of new traditions. Are you asking: How?

When purchasing greeting cards buy recycled or tree-free material cards. Last year we sent two billion holiday cards to our friends and family. The waste is equal to a football field ten stories. If we reduce this amount by 1% approximately fifteen thousand trees are saved. Keep the cards you receive this year, and next year cut them up to make gift tags out of. E-cards are a great replacement. Or be real imaginative and create a holiday album to be shared on Shutterfly, for example. Your time and effort will be appreciated by all of your friends and family; laughter is an extra bonus in everyone’s enjoyment.

We love to burn candles, and this is especially true during the holidays. Use beeswax or soy candles which burn about 50% longer than paraffin wax candles. They also burn 90% cleaner since they are manufactured using renewable resources as opposed to paraffin wax candles that are made from petroleum.

The “greenest” tree is the one that can be replanted or reused. Second best choice is a natural cut tree. The artificial tree is the least favorable as it is made from PVC plastic, and although many people purchase one thinking they will “reuse” it for many years to come, they are normally thrown out within six years. (Trivia fact: According to the National Christmas Tree Association, approximately 30 million real Christmas trees are purchased each year.) Check with your city to see if they are one of many that will recycle your tree into mulch.

When decorating, use natural evergreen wreaths. Place pine cones in a glass bowl for the dining room table. Seasonal fruits on display make beautiful decorations and can be eaten as well. On the Christmas tree, use LED bulbs as they use 90% less power than traditional bulbs, last longer, they do not get as hot as traditional bulbs, and even if one light goes out the rest of the string stays lit. Don’t forget to put the lights on a timer.

Say “no” to wrapping paper. Instead, personalize the gift. Use a t-shirt that has memories to the receiver, sheet music to a musician, kid’s coloring pages to relatives, fabric for the crafty, and old maps to the traveler are just a few suggestions. Yarn can be used in place of ribbon. Use dried flowers or a scarf as alternatives. A new company in Denver, Storybags, sells fabric bags to be reused, and the receiver can go onto the company’s website to write a story about their gift. One recent purchaser said she is starting a new family tradition holidays, passing the bag to a relative so that the bag can be passed on to other relatives through the years, with the understanding that every person will write a “why I am thankful” chapter. If you do use boxes and bows, save them to use for birthdays and next year’s holiday.

May you all have a wonderful holiday season bundled up with joy and memories.