1. Start by purchasing eco-friendly gifts. In regards to the environment, not all gifts are created equal. Choose gifts that are manufactured in a way that is environmentally friendly, and that havelow carbon footprints when they are used.
2. Only purchase gifts that you know will be put to good use. Even kids do not like to get a whole lot of junk for the holidays, so purchase only those things that you know will not end up in the trash bin. Not only will this be more eco-friendly, but the recipients of the gifts will appreciate the fact that you gave them things that they will treasure.
3. Shop local. Locally manufactured items do not have to be shipped across the country, thusreducing the amount of vehicle pollution needed in order to get them to you.
4. Use wrapping paper alternatives. Wrapping paper gets ripped off of the gifts and then thrown out, leaving excess waste among the festivities. Instead of using wrapping paper, place your gifts in bags that can be reused for years to come. Not only will the recipient have the gift, but they will have a way of wrapping gifts the following year that is easy and eco-friendly.
Most of the mass-produced shiny wrapping paper is not recyclable and ends up in landfills. Most of this shining and glossy paper is used to present gifts to near and dear ones. Imagine the impact on the environment considering that so many trees and oil are wasted each year just to be thrown away in landfills.
5. Stick to the one gift rule. Particularly when you have kids, you will notice that many family members like to go all out and buy a number of gifts for the little ones. Sticking to a one gift rule for all family members will ensure that there is no excess waste, and it will also ensure that the one gift the kids get from any of them will be a good one.
6. Practice your arts and crafts skills. This can add more fun to the holidays for the kids, as well. Have them make gifts for friends and family rather than buying them can be fun and also save you some money. It might even be a good idea to celebrate by holding a handmade gift exchange in which all participants have to either make their gifts themselves or purchase them from someone who did.
7. Simplify your decorations. There is no reason to overdo it. Keep your decorating as simple as possible.
8. Use natural decorations. Rather than filling the inside and outside of your home with a bunch of plastic that will just be thrown out and the end of the year, use decorations that are made out of wood and other natural substances.
9. Choose the right kind of tree. If they only last a couple of years, fake trees really do not do anything to help the environment. A real tree can be mulched after the holidays, which will ultimately use less energy than what was used to create a fake tree. The best option, however, is likely a potted tree, which can be used for more than one year and then planted after it has been used in your home as much as possible.
10. Use LED lights. LED lighting is far more efficient than the older bulbs. If you have not changed the lights you decorate with for a long time, upgrading to LED lighting will not only use far less energy, but it will also save you a whole lot of money on your electric bill.
11. Replace bulbs that have burnt out. When a string of lights no longer work, it is usually a single bulb that is the problem. Replacing the burnt out bulb will keep you from tossing the whole thing. The best way to do this is with bulb tester.
12. Use timers for your lights. Setting a timer so that your lights turn on at dusk and off at dawn is much more efficient than having the lights on 24/7. Using a timer will help both the environment and your bank account.
13. Don’t use disposable dishes and silverware. When a lot of people are over, many people find it easier to use paper plates and plastic ware. Unfortunately, this leads to a whole lot of waste. Use actual dishes instead. It will make clean up more difficult, but it will be far more eco-friendly.
14. Don’t toss leftovers. Rather than throwing away leftovers, compost them or feed them to animals (chickens will eat anything) in order to reduce waste.
15. Clean using all natural cleaners. Don’t use harmful chemicals during your clean up.
COURTESY OF :
http://www.conserve-energy-future.com/
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