Last Minute Ideas for a Green Christmas

While Christmas is only a day away, there are still many things that likely need to be put in order. For those of you who have caught the Christmas spirit, you might be thinking of things in terms of Santa's elves, who are still working at wrapping, stuffing stockings, and decorating the North Pole. Have no fear, however, because the Green Connoisseur is here to help you navigate your way through the world of green festivities. Wrapping Paper Wrapping paper is a beautiful way to be festive and to show the receiver that you care enough to go over the top with ribbons and bows. There are great green ways to show you care, however, other than coating a box in Santa and his reindeer. When it comes to wrapping paper, recycling the used wrapping is a first step towards sustainability. Saving this year’s paper and reusing it for next year is an even greener way. Just tell your loved ones to be careful as they unwrap and collect the paper once the gift has emerged. Another great idea is to use colorful newspapers or magazines that were headed for the recycling bin and choosing images and articles that speak towards the gift recipient. While it may not be store bought, a movie review starring a favorite actor wrapped around a special gift would really show that you care. If you have kids, why not let them decorate with crayons or markets using paper grocery bags as the base. Or, to be truly sustainable, try something completely reusable such as a bandanna or old shirts. Decorations Ribbons for gifts or for a wreath, and ornaments for a tree or for around the house, can all have a green twist. For ribbons, think about using the old tape from a video or cassette. They curl just like traditional ribbon using scissors! Or for the special gift, try decorating with broken shoelaces, old buttons, tape measures, or even broken Christmas lights to make a gift look truly original. If you have Christmas tree lights that still work, try stuffing them into an empty wine bottle for a festive centerpiece. Better yet, choose LED Christmas lights that use 80-90% less energy for all of your lighting needs. For tinsel to decorate a tree, think about using aluminum cans and cutting them in a spiral to loop around or across a tree, wreath, or anywhere else around the house. Just be careful with your fingers and be sure to recycle the cans again after the holidays. So, Merry Christmas Eve from the Green Connoisseur for those of you who celebrate the holiday, and remember that no matter the occasion, there is an eco-conscious way to celebrate in luxury! Image Credit: QPSU, Cliquee, Country Living, Ticklymoo, Wit and Whistle, Daily Danny

The Greenest Christmas Tree: Tips for Eco-Friendly Holiday Decor

Thanksgiving and Black Friday have come and gone; holiday decorations are going up all over town - what's the most eco-friendly way to deck the halls this holiday season?  

The biggest concern is finding an eco-friendly Christmas tree.  Are artificial trees better for the planet or can you enjoy the beauty of a live tree as well as a green lifestyle?  Trimming the tree also deserves attention, from the ornaments and garland to the power-consuming lights.  Here are a few tips to help you make the greenest choices this season.

Eco-Friendly Christmas Trees: Artificial vs. Live

While artificial trees can be reused for many years to come, most fake trees are made with petroleum-based, non-biodegradable PVCs.  When their life finally comes to an end, fake trees sit in landfills and release harmful chemicals into the soil.

Live Christmas trees are typically grown at a tree farm specifically for the purpose of holiday decorating.  Most are transported from local growers, minimizing the impact of shipping, and after the holidays, live trees can be recycled into mulch or composted.

Real trees are generally a better option for the planet than fake trees, but many tree farms use pesticides and other chemicals during the growing process.  Organic Christmas tree farms are becoming more common for an even greener holiday season.

Other planet-safe tree alternatives include:

• Rent a Christmas tree: Tree rental services are popping up in Canada, the US, and the UK.  The potted trees are delivered to your home for the holidays, then picked up and planted after the festivities come to a close.   
• Recycled paper trees: Small cardboard Christmas trees, along with cardboard ornaments, can be purchased online and offer a festive and crafty alternative for the holidays.  
• Make your own tree: Recycled junk can make a creative alternative to a traditional Christmas tree, like the Mountain Dew can tree pictured here.  You can also try garland and wire stems, tomato cages, or create a simple wall hanging like this adorable handprint tree.

Green Tree Trimming Ideas

Whether your Christmas tree is real, artificial, or made out of aluminum cans, there are plenty eco-friendly trimming ideas.  Opt for LED Christmas lights to minimize energy consumption.  Consider bows made of fabric scraps, recycled paper chains, or strings of popcorn or cranberries in place of tinsel and garland.

When it comes to tree ornaments, there's a tremendous selection of fair trade ornaments available.  You can also get your children involved and create your own tree ornaments using recycled materials.

We would love to hear what you're doing to minimize your impact this holiday season!  Share your eco-friendly Christmas decorating tips in the comments.

Images via kevindooley, Fresh99, the Hunger Site

Eco-Friendly Holidays Part 1: Wrapping Your Gift with Love for the Earth

The holidays are approaching very quickly! For those who are eco-conscious, this is the perfect time to start planning vegetarian holiday meals and considering green gifts for friends and family. In all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, wrapping paper is usually the last thing on our minds. Unfortunately, in the US alone, the holidays produce around 4 million tons of waste – just in wrapping paper and shopping bags! No one wants to wrap their gifts in dull, unattractive, recycled wrapping paper. Gifts should be nestled in bright and shiny paper, luxurious bows and decorative bags. Luckily, there are some gorgeous alternatives that you can use to make your gifts shine – and make the recipients eager to open them. Recycled Wrapping Paper Doesn’t Have to Be Boring! With the growing concern for the health of our planet, many companies are manufacturing paper goods which are recycled from 100% post consumer materials. While many individuals picture these recycled papers in dull shades of brown and green – this is just not the case. Recycled wrapping paper comes in all shades, styles and types. From shiny blue paper that features charming snowmen to more conservative, taupe paper with majestic pine trees printed on it – there is a style to suit every taste and personality. Earth, Love’n Paper is one company that offers beautifully designed gift-wrap created from 100% post-consumer waste. Get this – the paper is processed chlorine-free and contains vegetable based inks. The backs of the paper contain lines for cutting as well as information about how beneficial recycled wrapping paper is versus traditional gift wrap. While this wrapping paper looks quite luxurious, the company enjoys the fact that it’s so affordable, everyone can use it. By making it available for everyone, they increase the chances that more people will use it. “I want people from all walks of life to be able to afford our gift wrap,” says owner Caren Levin. "The quality of our paper is high-end, but the price is not. In addition, we donate 1 tree for every 10 packages of gift wrap sold through our partnership with Trees for the Future.” Eco-Friendly Trimmings for Your Packages Once you have your gifts nicely wrapped in beautiful, eco-friendly wrapping paper – you will want to make it even more beautiful with the use of trimmings. There are many of these available, including eco-friendly ribbons and tissue paper. You can make your gifts attractive and striking without feeling guilty at all! There are some beautiful gift bags, tissue paper and eco-friendly ribbons that will dress up your packages to friends and family members. Just a few places you can get them from include: www.sweetorganicsandnaturals.com www.dunwoodybooth.com By wrapping your gifts in love for the earth, you can feel extra great about giving them. You may even inspire friends and family members to do the same. Be sure to check out Part 2 of Eco-Friendly Holidays for more green holiday surprises – it’s coming soon!