Have a Green Christmas

Christmas shopping has a huge impact on the environment if you are not purchasing green, organic or recycled products. Those objects such as a brand new toy or new sweater can end up in the landfills causing more of a problem. This year why not contribute to a green Christmas.

Here are some suggestions to get you started on your way to a greener Christmas.

The Gift of Time

Offer your time and or services to friends and family. A mother who is tired might want a nap, or a night out at the movies. Your mother may just want a hot cup of tea and a great conversation of sharing secrets, goals and dreams. Your neighbor might need his drive way shoveled, or a lift to the grocery store.

The Gift of Words

Write a letter or a poem expressing how you feel for that person, and use recycled paper. Let them know how much they mean to you, and how much they matter and make a difference in your life.

The Gift of Recycled Products

Make a statement this Christmas and purchase recycled products from your local Good Will or Salvation Army, or keep an eye on Freecycle for something that someone needs. Speak to your friends and family that this Christmas you want to make an impact on the environment, and you are participating with a green Christmas.

The Gift of Working Hard

Offer to clean their house, or any other manual labor that requires attention at home. Does the basement need a clean out for a spring yard sale? Does the garage require shelving for dads tools? Does mom need a break from cooking supper or doing dishes?

Get creative and green this coming Christmas, and make a difference in the landfill by offering something that does not require plastics or unnatural fabrics. Should you have those few extra dollars, and still wish to purchase something brand new, consider organic stores. A fruit basket of organic fruit or vegetables is a wonderful gift for more then one reason. The fruit can be eaten and enjoyed, the basket can be reused for something else in the home, and the product inside the basket is organic!

My suggestion is join a few green sites, and sway ideas and suggestions back and forth. Greenwala is a wonderful site to make new green friends, and gain insight for a greener holiday.