The holiday season is a time of giving and family and warmth. It’s one of my favorite times in the year! There’s just something special about this time of year no matter what you celebrate! It’s a season of giving and love, but it’s also a season of excess. Let’s change that! The only thing that could make the holiday season better is if it was greener! So I’ve got tips for a green holiday!
Green Holiday Gift Ideas
- Simple is good and green. One meaningful gift is worth more than all the trinkets in the world. Hold a gift exchange with every person only getting one gift for someone else. Maybe have a Secret Santa gift exchange! You’ll save money and have some meaningful gifts for a green holiday.
- Consider making it yourself! Sew, bake, create art, or knit. (If you’re not too good with your hands, consider finding a homemade one of a kind green gift on Etsy.com.)
- Look for green holiday gifts that are durable and made with eco-friendly materials. Something vintage or upcycled is green too. If you’re considering getting someone an appliance, remember to check for an energy star rating.
- Consider making a charitable donation in the name of someone. Maybe plant a tree in someone’s name. Here’s a list of some of my favorite charities.
- You can also give the green holiday gift of your time. Help someone start a garden or create a vegetarian recipe book for someone, or maybe create a photo album.
Green Holiday Gift Wrapping
- Consider buying reusable bags to give green holiday gifts in.
- Use what you have already. Any newspaper lying around or maybe some old discarded maps make really neat wrapping paper. Maybe use old t-shirts and scarves.
- Make your own personalized green holiday gift tags out of recycled paper.
- Reuse gift bags from past holidays. You can get rid of wrinkles in wrapping paper with a warm iron for a truly green holiday gift.
Green Holiday Decorations
- Reuse what you already have. Incorporate nature for a nice touch.
- Use LED lights instead of old fashioned holiday lights. Set your lights on a timer to turn off at night for a green holiday display that doesn’t waste energy.
- Create your own decorations and use them over next year for a green holiday every year.
Green Holiday Travel
- Schedule early. Try to arrive early or leave a day late. Rushing causes stress and higher emissions.
- Take the train or bus if it’s possible.
- If you do use an airline, consider taking a bus to your destination rather than renting a car.
- Consider moving the location to a place that requires the least amount of travel for a truly green holiday.
- Looking for more green holiday travel tips? This post might help you out.
Hopefully these tips will help make your green holiday. No matter if you celebrate Winter Solstice, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, or anything in between, I hope everyone has a great holiday season and spends time with their family! Take care, stay green, and have a great green holiday!