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GREEN LIVING BLOG

Make the Season Bright…and Eco-Friendly

COMMUNITY CENTERGreen Homes & BusinessesDec 3, 2012Katie Cullipher

Author: Katie Cullipher

It’s the most wonderful time of year, with not only visions of sugarplums dancing in your head, but also last-minute shopping lists, decorating ideas and holiday meal preparation. If you believe it’s hard to integrate the environmental green with your holiday green, think again. We have put together a sleigh-full of no-fuss, fun tips for making the season bright and eco-friendly!

Shopping and Gifting

  • Keep reusable shopping bags in your car. You never know when you’ll have to dash away for more eggnog, flour or that last-minute gift.
  • Get creative and make your own wrapping paper using fabric, maps, your child’s artwork or reused tissue paper. Use twine to secure fresh sprigs of holly and pinecones for a festive natural look.
  • As a gift alternative, consider making a donation in honor of a loved one.
  • If you give electronic gifts, include rechargeable batteries. If you receive electronics gifts, make sure to properly recycle your old electronics.
  • Shop at your local farmer’s market for fresh, seasonal produce and flavors.

For Parties

  • Send e-cards and e-vites rather than paper cards.
  • Place a recycling bin next to your trash can where it will be easy for guests to find.
  • Choose reusable plates, cups and utensils when entertaining. If you have to use paper products, make sure these are made from recycled paper and plastic.

In the Kitchen

  • Don’t use the garbage disposal. It does chop up organic matter, but bits and pieces of food particles still pass through, which can clog up your drain.
  • Don’t put food particles directly down your sink either! Use a strainer in your sink drain to catch food scraps, then toss in the trash or compost.
  • Remember, never put kitchen fats, oils or grease down the drain. Stay clog-free for the holidays!
  • If you have gallons of fryer oil to dispose of, recycle it at your community’s transfer or recycling center. Check here for a list of local fryer oil recycling locations.
  • Be a greener cleaner by using a vinegar and water solution instead of harsh cleaning products.

The Tree and all the Trimmings

  • Fill your house with the fresh scent that only a live tree can deliver.
  • Decorate with fewer lights or put your lights on a timer. Replace older lights with energy efficient LED strands.
  • After Christmas, reuse your naturally grown Christmas tree by taking the decorations off (including tinsel) and placing it in a quiet corner of your yard as a wildlife habitat area. Or, recycle it. Check back with askHRgreen.org for a list of pickup times and drop-off locations in each locality for naturally grown Christmas trees.
  • If you’re thinking of getting rid of your artificial Christmas tree, but it’s still in good shape, donate it to a good cause.

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