by Amanda Taylor

Created on: December 17, 2009

Kermit the Frog once sang that “It’s Not Easy Being Green.”  While that certainly was once true about embracing Earth-friendly living, it has become easier.  Gifting “green” at the holidays that will not only make you feel great about giving but will also make you feel good your gift will help Mother Earth.

 Holiday Greetings

The US Census Bureau reports that approximately 1.9 billion holiday cards (www.census.gov) are sent each year.   Instead of sending paper cards, consider e-cards which produce no paper waste.  Even better, spend a few minutes each evening calling friends and family to wish them happy holidays!  A call is much more personal and greatly appreciated.  Do not feel the need to spend a long time on the phone; simply let them know that you would like to wish them well and let them know you will catch up after the hustle and bustle of the New Year is over.

 Gifts

Many companies offer ‘green’ products that would make wonderful holiday gifts that would encourage green-living all year.  Create a gift basket using a kitchen composting bucket as the base and fill it with reusable grocery bags, a few compact fluorescent light bulbs, and Earth-friendly cleaning products.

 If you are looking for more traditional gifts, look for those made of recycled products.  Websites like Etsy.com let the buyer support crafters who are committed to hand-making items, many from recycled materials.  Should clothing or other fabric items are on your list, look for those made from bamboo or other sustainable plant fibers. 

Remember, sometimes the best gift is not something tangible.  Give someone the gift of time or your company.  Perhaps busy parents would appreciate a night or two of free babysitting, let Mom out of dish-duty for a week or two, have grandkids make dinner for the grandparents and invite them over for a special evening.    

 Wrapping

Once you have found the perfect ‘green’ gift, it is important to consider the wrapping.  Each year hundreds of rolls of wrapping paper are used, only to be thrown away after the presents are unwrapped.  Instead of using all of that paper, try some alternatives!

-      Use newspaper that would have been recycled anyway!

-      Place gifts in reusable boxes or baskets

-      Use gift bags saved from holidays past

-      Wrap baked goods in parchment or waxed paper and tie with a raffia or butcher’s twine

-      Instead of paper gift tags, make applesauce ornaments using equal parts applesauce and cinnamon (the cheapest you can find).  Roll out the ‘dough’ and cut it with holiday cookie cutters, punching a hole at the top to thread ribbon through.  Let the ornaments dry a few days until hard.  Once hardened, write the recipients name on the ornament! 

Giving green does not have to be difficult or overwhelming.  Taking small steps each year will keep the process manageable and let you expand each holiday.  Changing one thing you do each year will make a difference, helping the planet and allowing you to enjoy the spirit of the holidays!

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