Green Holiday

How to Go Green With Your Holidays

The holiday season is fast approaching and with that comes holiday get togethers. If you are not careful planning and executing your holiday event, you could end up being very wasteful and environmentally unsound. Celebrating the holidays doesn't have to be wasteful and doesn't mean that you have to contribute to the environmental burden. There are many ways that you can have a successful holiday event while still being green.

Inviting your guest to your holiday event can be potentially wasteful. Paper invitations, mailed in paper envelopes are not the greenest way to invite your holiday guest. Consider inviting your guest either over the telephone or by sending out e-vites. Either way you save money and paper! So, choose the method that best fits your event and lifestyle. If mailing your holiday invites is essential, choose invitations that are made from recycled paper.

When selecting your flatware and cutlery, stick with the old fashion kind. Use real plates, utensils and glasses. Paper disposable products may be more convenient, but they are not environmentally friendly at all. Additionally, try using cloth napkins instead of paper napkins. They not only look nicer and make a better presentation, but they can be easily washed and reused on your next occasion. Again, if you must use disposable products, look for products made from recycled materials and that can be recycled or composted when used.

When decorating your holiday table, go natural. Choose flowers that are organic or plants that you already own. Avoid plants that are grown using pesticides and other chemicals. Creating your own holiday centerpiece or having children create centerpieces can be fun and economical. Candles are an excellent way to decorate your holiday table as well. Support your local growers and buy flowers from local organic farmers.

Stick with your day to day green standards. Make sure your holiday guests have access to your recycling bins, so things don't accidentally end up in the trash. Additionally, make sure that your recycling bins are clearly labeled. Use compact fluorescent bulbs for lighting; they make them in all shapes and sizes. Sticking with your green standards will help offset any small concessions that you may have to make for your holiday event to go off without a hitch.

When your holiday celebration comes to an end, inevitably you will have food and other items leftover. Waste not, want not. Plan ahead of time to have your leftover food either picked up by or delivered to a local food bank or shelter. Additionally, have guest take home centerpieces rather than wasting them. All these small things add up to a great and green holiday event.

by Hillary Marshall

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