WE WISH YOU A VERY GREEN CHRISTMAS
Now is the time for a few hints on having a greener Christmas this year. Perhaps you are already doing some of these things--if so--three frosted cookies for you. If not, try to do some things this year and more next Christmas. Here are the hints:
Consider purchasing a living tree that you can plant in your yard after Christmas. If you have a fresh cut tree, consider putting it in your yard after Christmas with garlands of popcorn and cranberries for the birds. Store a plastic tree carefully to use year after year.
Can you think of creative ways to wrap gifts without using Christmas wrap? Some ideas are using tea-towels, scarves or pieces of cloth to wrap a gift--or even a jacket wrapping a pair of pants. A watering jug can hold garden gloves and small tools. Kids might like to stamp designs on newspaper or use the funnies for wrapping a gift. One can also decorate paper bags or glue old Christmas cards on them to make them look festive. Save the bags for another year.
When considering a gift, think about the gift’s durability and reparability. Is it overpackaged? If it uses batteries, will it use rechargeable batteries? Remember that first item on the list is reduce. Can you give experiences instead of another thing?
Did you use LED lights for decorating outside and inside? These bulbs can save you money and use less energy.
If your house does not have a programmable thermostat--consider purchasing one--just a 2- degree difference in temperature can save money and energy.
Give your yard a gift of trees, bushes and or garden seeds
Donate to your favorite charity, give coats, gloves, hats and socks to folks in need and volunteer time to help serve others.
Endeavor to reduce food waste this Christmas. Make lists, prepare for leftovers, and encourage small first helpings--this often cuts down on food left on the plate.
Earth Steward Action: How did you do on the list? Keep doing what can be done to be a good Earth Steward.
Source: TEST archives