| Recycle/Reuse | | | | them instead. This will not only keep your old items out |
| This time of year, Americans throw away more than | | | | of a landfill, but also into a better home for someone |
| any other time of the year. With all of the extra gift | | | | who could use them. |
| wrapping and gift packaging, it is important to recycle | | | | Sustainable |
| and reuse as much as possible. | | | | This year when picking out a Christmas tree, there are |
| - Try to reuse as much gift wrap as possible and | | | | a few options you should consider to help make a |
| save any extra bows, ribbons, or bags that can be | | | | greener Christmas. |
| reused. Remember that you can always reuse old | | | | Live Christmas Tree - Instead of buying a cut |
| items or things like newspaper to wrap gifts. | | | | Christmas tree, buy a live tree so you can replant it |
| -If you do need to buy new gift wrap, make sure it's | | | | once the holidays are over. |
| eco-friendly. | | | | Cut Christmas Tree - If you do buy a cut Christmas |
| -Try to save and reuse packaging like boxes and | | | | tree, try to find ones that are organic, grown without |
| bubble wrap if you need to mail any gifts. | | | | pesticides or chemicals. Once you're done with your |
| -You can also recycle any old items such as | | | | tree, make sure you recycle it or compost it. |
| electronics that you may have if they're replaced by | | | | Artificial Christmas Tree - Although most artificial |
| new gifts once the holidays are over. Things like | | | | Christmas trees are not recyclable, they can be a |
| computer monitors, laptops, cell phones and computers | | | | green alternative if you reuse your same tree every |
| can all be recycled. | | | | year. |
| -For your holiday dinners, try using non-disposable | | | | No Tree - This option isn't for everyone, but it is |
| utensils and dishes to reduce waste. | | | | possible to use other items as decorations if you don't |
| Conserve | | | | have a Christmas tree. |
| With millions of houses decorated with lights this time | | | | Shop Green |
| of year, energy consumption increases, so it's | | | | When shopping for holiday gifts this season, |
| important that if you are smart about what types of | | | | eco-friendly products should be at the top of |
| decorations you use to help save energy. | | | | everyones list. |
| -Use LED Lights - Switch out any old Christmas lights | | | | - Organic - When shopping for clothes, look for organic |
| with energy-efficient LED Christmas lights. These LED | | | | apparel made from all natural materials without the use |
| lights are great for decorating both indoors and | | | | of pesticides or chemicals. |
| outdoors and last longer than your standard bulbs. Not | | | | - Recycled - There are a lot of items made from |
| just bright and colorful, but good for the environment | | | | recycled materials that would make great gifts, such |
| too. | | | | as recycled furniture or glassware. |
| -Turn lights off - The best way to be green is to | | | | - Sustainable - Bamboo is a plant that has the ability to |
| conserve, Remember though, even if your lights are | | | | grow extremely fast, making it an eco-friendly choice. |
| energy-efficient, so make sure you turn off your lights | | | | Try shopping for bamboo products such as furniture, |
| at night. | | | | clothing, and bedding. |
| -Use Less - Your house doesn't have to light up the | | | | - Reusable - Giving loved ones reusable items is a |
| whole neighborhood to show your holiday spirit. So this | | | | great way to pass on the green spirit. Try giving |
| year use a few less lights to help save energy. | | | | reusable shopping bags as an eco-friendly gift this |
| Be Creative | | | | season. |
| - Don't buy any new Christmas ornaments or cards | | | | - Energy Efficient - Electronics make great holiday |
| this year. Instead, try making your own ornaments and | | | | gifts, so when you shop, make sure that you look for |
| Christmas cards from recycled materials. | | | | energy-efficient products that meet environmental |
| - Even better than paper Christmas cards are e-cards | | | | quality standards for energy saving. |
| for your friends and family who are computer savvy. | | | | These are just a few tips to help you have a greener |
| Show your holiday spirit as well as your green spirit. | | | | holiday but there are many other ways you can help |
| Donate | | | | the environment while enjoying your holidays. Be |
| It's the season of giving - instead of throwing away all | | | | creative and keep the environment in mind this holiday |
| of your old clothes and other things this year, donate | | | | season! |