sarah's sustainable life

ok, cheesy tag line. but in light of all the stores i have been through recently that are already pushing the holiday to its maximum shopping days potential, i don’t think it’s too early to start planning a less wasteful holiday. can you think of one other holiday that produces so much garbage? between way too much food prepared, way too many gifts bought, and way too much paper used to wrap them, it’s a wonder the traditionally celebrated christmas has been able to sustain its wasteful self for so many years. but times are changing, and people are looking at quality rather than quantity, even at the holidays. SO…here is a short list of ideas i’ve had to cut down on the waste and worry that often surround what should be the most peaceful and happy time of year.

*turn gift exchange into a game! rather than waste all that paper (and time) wrapping presents, why not make christmas morning into a scavenger hunt and hide the presents! this could be especially fun for small children (and wear them out a little better). all you need to do is keep a list on your computer of what presents were bought, who each one was for, and where they were hidden. then there will be no surprise gifts found hiding in march (unless of course you wanted to do the same for someone’s birthday).

*buy a potted evergreen (with roots still attached) for your christmas tree! even if you are unable to replant the tree in your back yard to be used again next year, many city parks and recreation departments will gladly take the live tree as a donation.

*try having an old-fashioned candle light christmas dinner! save some electricity and create a warm, cozy mood (maybe even romantic) by turning the lights way down (or off) and using candles for the majority of your lighting on christmas eve and christmas night. old, mismatched candles look great for just such an occasion and are easily purchased at a thrift store for pennies.

*don’t throw unwanted gifts out with the rubbish! if you receive (or give) a gift that turns out to be a dud, don’t be embarrassed to give it away. one man’s trash is another man’s treasure! if you don’t know anyone who can use it, list it on freecycle and watch it fly away eagerly.

*my personal request to all you iPod, iPhone, and i-who-knows-what-else addicts out there, spend some quality time with your family and friends for the season and TURN THOSE THINGS OFF FOR THE DAY!! imagine how much energy we would save if everyone turned those gadgets off for just one day…

that’s it for now; i’m sure there will be more as the season goes on. let me be the first to say, have a merry christmas this year!

Tags: freecycle, gift hunt, green christmas, live potted trees   Posted conservation, parenting |