HOW TO CELEBRATE AN ECO-FRIENDLY HOLIDAY

Christmas, one of the biggest holidays for retail, generates unnecessary trash, uses precious resources, and creates quite a large footprint.

When family and friends are visiting from out of town, traveling creates a large carbon footprint. Try to get members to carpool for the trip or if distance and time are an issue, take transit to and from the airport or train stations.
Consider a rented Christmas tree, which is delivered in a pot, remains alive through the season and is picked up after New Year's Day. Or, as we did this year, buy a Living Christmas tree which can then be placed outside after the holidays and reused year after year.

Consider re-using paper already in your house for wrapping paper.  Use gift boxes made from recycled cardboard and reuse the ones you were given. Make your own cards with supplies at home, or buy cards made of recycled paper.
Give gifts that are homemade. Try searching the Internet for simple crafts, bake a batch of homemade cookies or bread, or start seedlings for an indoor houseplant.

Here are some ways to lower electricity bills and save energy during this holiday season.

1. Use LED Christmas Lights - LED Christmas lights consume 90% less electricity compared to regular incandescent bulbs. They are also about 50% cheaper.

2. Fiber Optic Decorations - These trees have a single light at the base to light up the entire tree along with the decorations.

3. Timed Christmas Lights - Do not turn on the Christmas lights during the daytime. No one can really enjoy looking at the lights during the day. Use a timer to automatically switch lights on and off.

4. Tree On, Lights Off - When the tree is lit, there's no need to have other lights on. You will also enhance the festive atmosphere.

5. Decorate with Candles - Candles are another way to decorate a room. You can use scented candles; just make sure they are made of Soy or Bee’s wax, not paraffin.

6. Lower the Thermostat - More people in your house means more body warmth.

7. Make you own ornaments  - Use ribbons and bows or handmade crafts. You can use them year after year and also appreciate that you made them.

7. Buy Energy-free Gifts - All most 40% of all batteries are bought during the Christmas season. If you must use batteries make sure that you buy rechargeable batteries.