Green for the Holidays

Published on Sunday, October 31, 2010 - 10:07pm

This year I decided that I would celebrate my Thanksgiving holiday by being green!

I chose not to fly to Grandma's house and to do away with the traditional turkey. My family and I opted for a vegetarian dinner (except for the one steak that my hubby demanded). We bought vegetables that were for the most part locally and/or organically grown. We opted not to use any disposable plates, cups, utensils, etc.

We also limited the amount of electricity that we used by using natural sunlight and taking a walk instead of watching television. We played board and card games that were borrowed. I also did not burn any candles (I'm a candleholic!) but opted to open windows and to let in fresh air.

What can you do have a green Christmas?

Ornaments

  • Make homemade ornaments out of items you already own: ribbons, recycled paper snowflakes, vintage ornaments.
  • Make ornaments out of natural items, for example: nuts, fruits, twigs, leaves, cardboard and paper.
  • Skip buying lights for your tree, and instead string fruit, nuts or popcorn.

Trees

  • Buy a living tree (potted), and then after the holidays you can plant it.
  • Skip buying a tree.
  • Use a tree alternative: ex: ladder, box, indoor plant.

Gifts/Giving

  • Make a donation to a charity in someone else's name. For example: Heifer International or Make a Wish Foundation.
  • Re-gift an unwanted gift that you have received.
  • Create a gift with things that you have around your house.
  • Make your own wrapping paper from recycled paper or fabric.
  • Opt to make gifts from your kitchen: ex: jam.
  • Recycle old Christmas cards.

Food

  • Choose to eat a vegetarian meal instead of having the traditional ham, beef, or turkey main course.
  • Make raw desserts or side dishes that don't require using an oven.

Decorate

  • Use leaves, branches, twigs, potted plants, pinecones, dried flowers.

To learn more about planning a Green Christmas-check out these books:

I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas: gifts  by Anna Getty
http://citycat.dclibrary.org/uhtbin/cgisirsi/9kHH9Vh78k/ML-KING/4430197/9

A Homemade Christmas: Creative Ideas for An Earth Friendly, Frugal, Festive Holiday by Tina Barseghian

http://citycat.dclibrary.org/uhtbin/cgisirsi/9YCrdWEPvG/ML-KING/4430197/9

A Greener Christmas by Sheherazade Goldsmith

http://citycat.dclibrary.org/uhtbin/cgisirsi/snIIhVxzyV/ML-KING/4430197/9

Lamond-Riggs Library