What many people realize when they adopt a more eco-friendly lifestyle is the relative ease of making such a change. All it really takes is a few tweaks here and there, and not a complete lifestyle overhaul, to get on the path to living eco-friendly. The same can be said with behavior during the holidays, when a few minor adjustments to the standard holiday routine won't make too noticeable an impact on holiday traditions, but will make a big and positive impact on the environment.
Tree etiquette. Christmas trees are a big and often beautiful part of the holiday season. An annual debate among tree lovers is which are better for the environment, real or artificial trees. Both have their ups and downs.
Initially, real trees would seem to be the more environmentally friendly option. However, once the season is over, discarded trees become a large part of landfill material. In addition, some people fail to remove all of the plastic ornaments or lights from trees, and this can be an environmentally hazardous. But live trees can be a boon to the environment if they are composted after the season and used for landscaping purposes.
Artificial trees, on the surface, appear less environmentally friendly. Such trees are made from plastic, and therefore a product of oil, meaning they will produce carbon emissions and other environmental contaminants. However, artificial decor can be reused every year.
Wrapping paper pointers. Perhaps no part of the holiday season is more wasteful than the one-time usage of wrapping paper, ribbon, cards, and bows. According to Green Star, if every family reused just two feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet. And approximately 2.65 billion Christmas cards are sold each year in the U.S., providing enough waste to fill a football field 10 stories high.
But holiday afficionados need not remove the grandeur of holiday wrapping paper, bows and ribbons to ensure an environmentally friendly holiday. Instead, simply reuse wrapping paper, ribbons and bows from year to year. Cards can also be culled from last year and used as a decorative label for this year's gifts.
Entertaining with an environmental tilt. Holiday get-togethers with family and friends are an integral part of the season. For party hosts, entertaining with an environmental tilt is easier than one might think. Work with vendors and sites that use linens and china to avoid disposable serviceware waste. Plan food and beverages wisely so that there isn't much left over. Reports indicate that more than 100 pounds of extra food per person is disposed of each year. Encourage people to take home leftovers if there are any, or donate it to places that feed the needy. Provide busing to larger office parties or reunions, or simply encourage guests to carpool. When disposing of waste, be sure to recycle. None of these suggestions will put a host out, but each will make a positive impact on the environment and possibly encourage guests to go green as well.
Go green with gifts: Gifting is another area in which to go green. Instead of trinkets that might just end up in a clutter closet, give gifts that recipients will be sure to use, such as gift certificates to the movies or electronics stores. Make a donation to an environmental organization in a friend or family member's name.
