When planning your holiday celebrations, there are many ways to reduce your environmental impact. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Send e-cards rather than paper holiday cards
- If you are shopping for new Christmas lights, choose LED lights, which use 90% less energy.
- Think about ways you can make gifts out of existing materials rather than purchasing new.
- Use creative gift-wrapping such as the Sunday newspaper comics rather than purchasing a lot of wrapping paper.
- If you are purchasing a tree, look for one from a local and/or organic tree farm.
- Make sure your tree doesn’t end up in a landfill: take it to a Christmas tree recycling center to be turned into woodchips for landscaping. If you live in South Bend, call 235-9244 so for information on curb-side pickups.
- When throwing a party, use real dishes rather than paper or plastic. Recycle any cans or bottles and run the dishwasher only when it’s full.
- Buy organic or locally-grown produce and cook at least some vegetarian meals.