Have a Green Holiday Season

    In this season of celebration don't forget to stop and celebrate the Earth.  I have listed below some of my favorite ways to stay green during the holiday season. 
    Most of us kick off the season by decorating the day after Thanksgiving.  Even though holiday lights have been a part of many of our traditions for so many years, they are not an environmentally friendly choice.  Instead of a light in every window, how about burning a real candle in your home's windows? 
    Now its time to buy and decorate the tree.  Make sure to buy a real tree not a fake one.  Real trees can be replanted and recycled.  When you trimming your tree use edible or compostable items like cranberries and popcorn.  My personal favorite holiday trees are outdoor trees adorned with ornaments intended to feed the local critters. Use pine cones and peanut butter or empty orange skins filled with bird seed to attract little holiday visitors.
    The tree has been trimmed, the house lit with candles.  Now its time to send those holiday greetings to friends and family.  Send e-cards, call your loved ones or be sure to use cards made with recycled paper.  Cards printed on glossy paper can not be recycled.  Some of the best cards are made from recycled gift tags from the previous holiday.
    Gift giving is a great way to go green and spread the eco-message.  There are so many creative ways to give green gifts this season.  Try some eco-friendly apparel or accessories (you can start your shopping at Modify.)  Home made gifts are always appreciated or you can set up a recycled gift exchange with some of your friends.  Other great green options are charitable donations or planting a tree to honor a loved one.  Two of my favorite gift giving charities are Heifer International and The Arbor Foundation. 
    Don't forget to be green when wrapping your gifts.  Use old magazines for small gifts and newsprint and old maps for larger gifts.  This season, be creative, be joyful, be loved and of course be green!