'Tis the Season to be Green

The holiday season is here, which means you're probably busy making your lists, checking them twice, dashing through the snow, and yearning for the peace of a single "Silent night". With all the stress and demands of the holidays, your carbon footprint is probably the last thing on your mind.

Good thing there are some simple things you can do this season that make a big difference:

Light the Lights and Deck the Halls

• There are few things as festive as the strands of twinkling lights that go up all over the city this month. This year, consider switching to LED lights.
  • You will save energy. LED lights use about 10% of the energy of traditional
    bulbs and are up to 90% more efficient. They're also brighter and they're great for decorating because they don't get hot.
  • You can also save money.  LED lights last longer, so you don't have to buy new ones over and over, and they will put less of a burden on your electricity bills. Check out this formula to project your savings.

• Try to use recycled and homemade decorations.
  • Last year's tinsel will look just as good this year! Make sure you store decorations to reuse.
  • Everyday household materials can be given a festive twist with a little creativity. If you need some inspiration, try out these ideas ranging from marshmallow menorahs to soda can stars.
  • You can even make your own wrapping paper using magazines and newspapers.

Trim the Tree

• If possible, choose a locally-sourced tree that has been grown using sustainable, pesticide-free practices.
• Even better, buy a potted tree and plant it (or donate it to a local park) next year.
• Make sure you "treecycle".  There are programs all over the country that will help you turn your tree into mulch.  Check out earth911's database to find a site near you.
• If you're in New York City, you can bring your tree to Mulchfest. Last year close to 24,000 NYC trees were mulched through this program. There are drop off and chipping sites in all five boroughs.

Enjoy the Feast

• Good food is one of the highlights of this time of year, so why not make sure your food is as eco-friendly as it is delicious?
• Visit a local farmer's market and aim to buy as much locally-grown produce as possible.
  • Find a market near you.
• If you're feeling ambitious, plan a meal according to the "100-mile Diet" (only serve
  food grown within 100 miles of your table). Eating local food helps save on fuel costs, reduces the need for preservatives, and supports local agriculture. And think about joining a community supported agriculture group in your area.
• Buy organic produce and free-range meats whenever possible.
• Use mealtimes to have a lively discussion with friends and families about your values and the small things everyone can do to make a big difference.

Give the Gifts that Keep on Giving

• It really is better to give than to receive. This year you can give your gifts and give back to the earth at the same time.
  • Buy from nonprofits that use profits from sales to support their operations.
  • Consider donating to a nonprofit as a gift for a friend or loved one. Many nonprofits will let you "Adopt" an animal or "Sponsor" an acre in the name of a friend or loved-one.
  • Buy from local merchants or artisans.
  • Buy from companies that use recycled materials.

If you would like to read about sustainability efforts in urban areas, take a look at Green Cities and Carbon Down, Profits Up, reports we have cataloged in PubHub, your source for foundation-sponsored reports.

Have you got any ideas to share to make this holiday season a greener one? Post them to our comments!

-- Reilly Kiernan, Educational Services Fellow, Foundation Center

Comments

[Anne]

Thanks for this post! I just got my tree this weekend and trimmed it with some homemade ornaments using old magazines. The red-and-white of Time covers looks great on a green tree!