Go green for the holidays to save some green

The holiday season is finally here! That means family, food, fun and unfortunately, more bills. Don’t get tangled up in holiday stress and high electricity bills. Try these simple tips to keep holiday costs down and spirits up...all while improving air quality. 

Holiday Cards | Before Shopping | Gift Giving | Wrapping | Decorating

Holiday Cards

• Try sending e-cards to loved ones who have computers. They will enjoy it as much as a real card and it won’t end up in a landfill.
  
  
• Direct friends to your family blog or an online slideshow to go completely card free. You can add holiday music, snowflakes and bits of text, and then e-mail friends and family a link.
  
  
• Purchase 100% recycled cards if you must purchase holiday cards.

Before Shopping

• Make sure your car is in good working order and your tires are properly inflated. You’ll use less gas and lower your emissions.
  
  
• Avoid shopping during rush hour. Not only will you save time, you’ll also save money by not wasting gas being stuck in traffic.
  
  
• Carpool with family and friends to your shopping destination.
  
  
• Shopping alone? Take mass transit to your favorite store.

Gift Giving

• Shop for gifts at antique and second hand stores. You’ll likely find the perfect trinket for everyone on your list.
  
  
• Give an experience. An afternoon of horseback riding, a massage, tennis lessons or tickets to a play are all fun and environmentally friendly gift ideas. An experience also supports local businesses.
  
  
• Give a hand-made gift. Make your own soap, paper, or candles. Try knitting a pair of socks or a scarf. Or bake seasonal pies, cakes or bread to give as gifts.
  
  
• Buy locally made items, if you're not comfortable making gifts or don’t have the time. Buying gifts made by local artisans boosts your local economy and reduces carbon emissions caused by shipping.
  
  
• Make a donation on a gift recipient's behalf this year.

Gift Wrapping

• Avoid wrapping paper whenever possible. Try hiding gifts around the house and then giving kids clues as to where they are located.
  
  
• Skip the tape. Instead, try utility clips or clothes pins. They work just was well and can be reused next year.
  
  
• Sheets of newspaper and magazine pages work perfectly as wrapping paper. Get even more creative by using old maps, posters, or kids' coloring book pages to wrap gifts.
  
  
• Try wrapping smaller gifts with fabric. Fabric makes a unique and impressive presentation and can be reused next year.
  
  
• Make the wrapping part of the gift by using scarves, kitchen towels, or tablecloths. A canvas bag can hold gifts and be reused for grocery shopping throughout the year.
  
  
• If you  must buy wrapping paper, buy 100% recycled paper and save it for next year.

Holiday Decorating

• Use energy efficient LED holiday lights. LEDs are 90% more efficient than traditional lights, don't get as hot, and if one bulb goes out, the rest of the string still works.
  
  
• Use an electric timer to avoid accidentally leaving your lights on, which will run up your electric bill. Make sure the timer you use is rated to handle the total wattage of your lights.
  
  
• Consider non-electric holiday decorations. Use fresh wreaths, garlands, flowers, and topiaries. Ribbons, ornaments and ceramic displays also add holiday flair without electricity.
  
  
• Utilize mirrors or tinsel. Both make indoor lights seem brighter without using any electricity.

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