Greening the Holidays

Like you, I am interested in finding ways to make life

a bit easier and to cut costs when i can.

Here are some websites that I find invaluable at

doing both:

www.flylady.net

http://www.flylady.net/images/HCJ2003.pdf

www.cannywomen.com

www.treehugger.com

When it comes to the holidays, who couldn't use a little help keeping costs down while learning to tread lightly on the Earth?

here are what some folks have suggested:

~Use LED lights and use less strands of lights to help with the electric bill.

~if someone on your gift lift doesn't need anything, give to a charity of her/his choice in her/his name.

~when it comes to meals, buy local, go vegetarian or vegan, if you so choose and take a walk after your big meal

~Use nontoxic cleaners as you

~serve an Organic bubbly for new year's eve

~focus on your own Personal development instead of focusing on -new year's resolutions.  Work on yourself a little bit at a time~~cut down on clutter, volunteer your time or money, improve your recycling habits,  speak out for those who can't or won't

~before putting your decorations away, Swap or donate unwanted items

~ wrap presents using maps, sewing patterns, towels, material, bandannas, brown paper, the Sunday Comics.  cut magazines into strips to use as filler in gift bags or the bottom of gift baskets

~purchase your Holiday tree from a local tree farm or buy a small tree in a pot and reuse each year,

~I'm fond of buying online and taking advantage of free shipping whenever possible.  What are your thoughts?  Is Online shopping vs. shopping big box stores or local stores better or worse for the environment?

Below are the links where you will find these ideas and more to help you enjoy the holiday season:

 http://earth911.com/seasonal/green-your-holidays/

http://environment.about.com/od/greenchristmas/a/green_shipping.htm

http://www.sierraclub.org/tips/holidays.aspx

http://greenopolis.com/goblog/green-groove/go-green-christmas-recycled-decorations

http://greenopolis.com/goblog/litegreen/what-will-i-do-all-these-used-christmas-greeting-cards 

http://www.treehugger.com/giftguide/?campaign=th_nav_holidays#08gg

http://planetgreen.discovery.com/home-garden/green-holidays-guide3.html

http://www.thefamilygroove.com/GiftGuide09_Green.htm