Go Green this Holiday Season!

The chaos of the holiday season often makes maintaining your green habits harder to do. After all, there are family gatherings to plan, shopping lists to fulfill and decorating to get underway. But with some planning, maintaining the "reduce, reuse and recycle" mantra can be easy, even during the holidays.

Shopping

• Carry a reusable tote bag. Bring your reusable bag with you while you holiday shop to reduce waste.

• Plan your shopping route. As you write out your shopping list, consider mapping out your shopping route to maximize time while minimizing fuel spent.

Entertaining

• Bundle up. While the weather may be chillier outside, stay warm with extra layers and blankets instead of turning up the thermostat. This may even be a great time to indulge in some hot chocolate or egg nog!

• Enjoy an organic feast. Support your local farmers by purchasing locally grown produce and meats. Your holiday feast will be healthier and you'll be doing your part to help the environment at the same time.

• Dish out dishes. While plasticware and paper napkins result in less cleanup after your big soiree, using reusable glass and plastic ware or even your nice china with cloth napkins are a greener choice.

Gift Giving

• Wrap it up. Instead of purchasing gift wrap, wrap your gifts in recycled material or in reusable boxes or baskets. You can also make your own wrapping paper with old maps, newspaper comics or children's artwork.

• Deck your halls. With energy-efficient LED lights, that is.

• Give the gift of time. Instead of spending money on expensive gifts packaged in landfill clogging packaging, consider an "IOU" book filled with coupons exchangeable for lawn mowing, car washing and more. Another good option is to make your own gifts. Think holiday treats, knitted sweaters and other handicrafts.

Follow just a few of these tips and you'll lessen the impact on both your pocketbook and the environment. Happy holidays!

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