Trees —
New light-emitting diode
Invest in a live tree to plant in the yard after
the holidays, and patronize a local, pesticide-free, sustain-
able farm or grower if possible. For a cut tree, chip and
(LED), fluorescent or solar
compost it later. (Many communities offer post-holiday
curbside pickup, composting trees for mulch. Call your
holiday lights are preferred
public works or waste management department for de-
tails.)
Lights —
replacements when old-style
New light-emitting diode (LED), fluorescent
or solar holiday lights are preferred replacements when
old-style lights fail. Put them on a timer and use conser-
lights fail. Put them on a
vatively. With traditional lights, pick strings with smaller
bulbs, which use less energy and emit less heat.
timer and use conservatively.
Ornaments and décor — The best decorations are
handcrafted, made from 100 percent natural materials,
With traditional lights, pick
and created at home, locally or by artisans in other coun-
tries earning fair wages. Avoid products containing non-
recyclable plastics, lead, phthalates or other toxins.
strings with smaller bulbs,
Creating zero-waste home decorations can become a
cherished family tradition, eagerly anticipated each year
which use less energy and
and enjoyed by all ages. Consider designing recycled-
paper snowflake cutouts; wreaths and centerpieces from
emit less heat.
collected tree trimmings; non-microwave popcorn and
cranberry garlands; gingerbread houses; soy or beeswax
candles; and stockings made from fabric scraps or knit
natural fibers. and daughter coauthors of Celebrate Green! – Creat-
Tableware — Favor reusable plates, glasses, utensils, ing Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations & Traditions for the
napkins and tablecloths. For larger gatherings, borrow Whole Family, from which this article was adapted. Find
extra place settings from friends or family, rent them, or more ideas for enlivening occasions throughout the year at
stock up at a consignment or thrift store. CelebrateGreen.net.
Cards — Send e-cards or email the family newsletter,
or find snail-mail cards, invitations and thank-you notes
made from recycled or tree-free materials and soy-based
inks, via the Internet (search “eco-friendly cards” and
“recycled holiday cards”). Find creative ways to parlay
incoming cards by searching “reuse holiday cards.”
Gifts — Ideal presents are handmade, activity-based,
consumable or charitable. Look for a fair trade stamp of
approval, as well as use of natural, sustainable, reused or
recycled materials. Forego anything overpackaged, mass-
produced, disposable, cheaply made, of unknown origin
or requiring lots of additional components.
wrapping — Creative giftwrap options include reusing
decorative papers and traditional ribbons, raffia ribbons
and repurposed fabrics.
Next Session: December 13th 2008, 10:30 am to 11:30 am
Food and drink — Enjoy healthy holiday meals made
from local and organic foods, to avoid genetically modi-
fied ingredients (see Natural Awakenings November 2008
issue). Cut down on meats, while upping the fruit and veg-
gie quotient. Select organic drinks and liqueurs, and wine
with real cork stoppers. Finally, compost table scraps.

Hosting a splashy party during the holidays, or any-
time, can be as enjoyable as it is eco-friendly. The key to
going green is to plan ahead, get everyone involved, and
make it fun.
Corey Colwell-Lipson and Lynn Colwell are mother
December 2008 35
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