I must admit I am feeling more like Charlie Brown in this picture (decorations & lights not up in my home yet) than the Target Lady!
In my idealist heart of hearts, I wish we would spend less money on things and spend more time on each other or at least think more about what it is you are spending your hard earned cash on.
With that being said, here are my thoughts on eco-friendly ideas for Christmas.
The tree REAL or
FAKE?
Of course this fake Christmas tree is a lovely tower of beer bottles, so this I approve, as long as there was no drinking or driving involved....haha!
In all seriousness, it is far more eco-friendly to buy a real Christmas tree than a fake Christmas tree.
real trees:
* they are real: during their growing period on some farm they are cleaning our air 1 tree farm cleans 1 ton of CO2
* renewal, biodegradable, compostable
* smell so good
* most if not all are grown on sustainable farming
* "local" in the sense that fake trees are imported from China
* on con they are considered agriculture so pesticides can be used on them...know what you are buying just like the food you eat.
fake trees:
* not biodegradable made from an extremely toxic plastic polyvinyl chloride (PVC), a non-biodegradable, petroleum-derived plastic
* they sit in land fills for CENTURIES
* create industrial waste
* use 20 years more of energy than growing real trees
* 85% of all fake trees are made in China
* side note * I was given a fake tree 2 years ago by a family friend, one hand thankful she didn't throw in the trash! However, I keep it because it is toxic and can't be thrown out!!! Arrggg!
That Christmas meal.
Go Local Go Organic Go Small Business
check the listing Local Harvest
I am always amazed at the amount of money we are willing to spend on gifts, but when it comes to our food that goes into our biggest gift our body and health. We buy cheap and shipped in from who knows where....just sayin'!
decorations: make your own
This picture is from Better Homes and Garden. I have done this many times and is so easy. We all have a jar at one time or another that could be washed and reused instead of put into recycling.
I love this from SaltTree, I have not tried it yet but so ready!
I love reusing items for simple yet elegant lighting and decorations. The point really is to spend less, create less waste and have fun.
Now of course...CANDY!
If I can not find local organic candy then I go to my trusty site for organic/natural candy and Made in the USA.
I love the Natural Candy Store because I can find organic candy, candy made in the USA all by the cool symbols it puts above the item telling you if it is organic, vegan, gluten free and/or made in USA.
Here are just a few....I would list them all and could because I love CANDY!
The candy canes and hard candy mix.
Chocolates....can't forget the chocolate!
Good ol' lollipops!
The prices are reasonable, better for your friends and family plus they are not the mass production big box retailer...stuff! Our dollar speaks loudly especially during the holidays and corporations listen this time of year.
Wrapping paper....mass produced wrapping paper cannot be recycled cannot be burned.
Go for some other options that could be fun!
Newspaper
Paper Grocery Bags
Last years saved wrapping paper
Magazines
or buy some from one of these lovely places
Take away tip:
Be creative, Buy Local, Buy Small Business, Buy Organic
Look for alternative ways to the traditional non eco-friendly ways we all have experienced the holidays. Most importantly it is about family, friends, love and the gift of life. Not the gift under the tree or what we buy will be our memories.
~Deanne
I would love to discuss other holiday traditions like Chanukah, Kwanzaa or others but unfortunately I am not well versed in these traditions and would hate to offend anyone by stating something inappropriate. I am always open to learning and I would love to know more please comment below!!!
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