| With all the holiday hype, it's hard to keep mother earth in mind. However, here are some helpful and affordable tips to keep your holiday festive and good for the planet!
 Buy gifts from locally owned stores OR make your own.
Bring a reusable bag to place purchases in while shopping.
Look for gifts that are unpackaged or minimally packaged with unnecessary plastic wrap and cardboard boxes.
If you are going to buy a live tree, buy from a local farm. There are many family owned tree farms in Rhode Island. A great step is to buy one that is potted or root-wrapped that can be replanted.
If you are planning to purchase an artificial tree, look for one that is of a high quality that you can use for many years to come or even pass down to your grandkids.
Use natural decorations, like popcorn and cranberry strings, on your tree and around the house.
Set your indoor and outdoor light displays to at timer to run during the 3-4 hours you’ll typically be awake in the evening.
Use Light Emitting Diode (LED) lights. They have extremely low energy use and last longer than ordinary bulbs.
Compost your Christmas tree!
At your holiday party, reduce the heat before the guests arrive. The extra bodies will heat the room on their own, and invite friends over the phone, email or use recycled cards.
Wrap gifts with reusable or recycled wrapping paper.
Wrap gifts using decorated brown paper bags or even colorful fabric, a pillow case or a towel for a unique, festive touch. The Sunday comics are a fun way to wrap or just decorate a box, plastic container or tin to use for holidays to come. And forget the tag; sign your warm wishes right on the box.
Give rechargeable batteries for the gift that keeps on giving. They are a great compliment to those battery operated toys. Shop online and cancel unnecessary catalogues. Be sure to recycle any catalogues you do get in the mail. |
