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It is easy for us Ordinary Environmentalists just like anyone else, to get caught up in excessive consumerism during the holidays. This over-consumption steals our time, empties our wallets and covers up what the true meaning of the holidays is for us. It also means a 25% increase in trash between Thanksgiving and New Years for the average household according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Please read Part I of a three part series on simply ways to make better choices for our environment during this holiday season.
Here are three tips for simplifying your holidays by reducing transportation costs from manufacturing and shipping, and reducing packaging that ends up in landfills.
REDUCING WASTE WHILE PERSONALIZING GIFTS
Tip #1: Use natural plant materials instead of bows to decorate presents.
Go into your back yard and find leaves, evergreen twigs, berries and interesting barks and use them instead of expensive and over-packaged bows and ribbons that will get tossed out with the wrapping paper. Also look in your drawers for interesting buttons, small unused toys, kitchen gadgets, scarfs, etc. that can be repurposed into unique gift packaging for that reflects the gift receiver's personality, interests and/or hobbies.
Tip #2 Give plants instead of flowers.
Flowers will be gone in a few days, however a plant can last for years, brings a bit of nature indoors and help improve air quality. There are plenty of price points and plant choices: an herb plant makes a great gift for Anita the cook, a high maintenance bonsai tree for recently retired Grandpa, a crazy-looking cactus for Tim, the on-the-go college student - you get the idea!
Tip #3 Give a donation to a good cause.
Instead of giving Great Auntie Denise another scarf, why not donate in her name to a non-profit organization she supports? If you don't know what your gift recipient supports, this is a good opportunity to get to know them better and they will really appreciate that you gave to something near and dear to their heart.
These are three simple tips any Ordinary Environmentalist can easily implement this holiday season. Please comment and share your ideas to reduce holiday waste.
Watch for Part II: Tips for a Green Christmas - Repurpose and Bring New Meaning to Gift Giving
Find more Ordinary Environmentalist tips and ideas on Twitter and Facebook!
Follow @dbaerg
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| 25% Increase in Trash |
Here are three tips for simplifying your holidays by reducing transportation costs from manufacturing and shipping, and reducing packaging that ends up in landfills.
REDUCING WASTE WHILE PERSONALIZING GIFTS
Tip #1: Use natural plant materials instead of bows to decorate presents.
Go into your back yard and find leaves, evergreen twigs, berries and interesting barks and use them instead of expensive and over-packaged bows and ribbons that will get tossed out with the wrapping paper. Also look in your drawers for interesting buttons, small unused toys, kitchen gadgets, scarfs, etc. that can be repurposed into unique gift packaging for that reflects the gift receiver's personality, interests and/or hobbies.
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| Plants and foliage = great gifts and decorations |
Flowers will be gone in a few days, however a plant can last for years, brings a bit of nature indoors and help improve air quality. There are plenty of price points and plant choices: an herb plant makes a great gift for Anita the cook, a high maintenance bonsai tree for recently retired Grandpa, a crazy-looking cactus for Tim, the on-the-go college student - you get the idea!
Tip #3 Give a donation to a good cause.
Instead of giving Great Auntie Denise another scarf, why not donate in her name to a non-profit organization she supports? If you don't know what your gift recipient supports, this is a good opportunity to get to know them better and they will really appreciate that you gave to something near and dear to their heart.
 |
| Donate a Gift to a Good Cause |
Watch for Part II: Tips for a Green Christmas - Repurpose and Bring New Meaning to Gift Giving
Find more Ordinary Environmentalist tips and ideas on Twitter and Facebook!
Follow @dbaerg
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