HAVE YOURSELF AN ECO-FRIENDLY CHRISTMAS

Remember Christmas when you were little? The magic. The lights. The gifts. The waste!

Christmases from my childhood were amazing. But I still remember that giant lawn bag Mom would drag out: “Okay, round up all the wrapping paper and boxes.” 

And of course, there was the plastic decor, some of which always seemed to break and get trashed.

If you have visions of less waste instead of sugar plums dancing in your head this year, here’s how to have a more eco-friendly Christmas…while still having that fantastic time you remember.

1. Use Brown Wrapping Paper

Wrap gifts in brown paper. It’s recyclable. If you’d like, buy natural cellulose and coconut fiber sponges. Cut them into fanciful Christmas shapes. Dip into paint and decorate your brown paper.

2. Use Twine Instead of Ribbon

Instead of the usual Christmas ribbon and bows, use red, green or white twine to pretty up wrapped gifts.

3. Decorate With Natural Materials

This is so much fun, because depending upon where you live, you might find some of these around your yard. Collect branches, berries, pinecones — anything you find that looks festive. Glue together into decorations or just spread across your mantel and table.

4. Make Salt Dough Decorations

Salt dough ornaments look cute and can be as simple or as fancy as you’d like. This is a fun project to do with kids or a friend. These make great gifts, too — try a salt dough handprint ornament with the date and your child’s name. Here’s a simple DIY tutorial:

 

5. Send E-Cards and E-Invites

Save a tree — send an e-card! There are tons of sites to choose from so you can find a great deal, or even send cards for free.

6. Use LED Lights

You’ve heard LED lighting saves electricity, but did you know how much? Up to a whopping 90%. They also last 25% longer than standard bulbs. 

7. Give Donations as Gifts

Buddy the Elf did that this year at our house. Send a choice of three to five worthy causes that you will back five dollars to in your gift recipient’s name. There’s no paper, no packaging — just a lot of love, and a lot of giving.

Happy green holidays!