Thanks to our friends at Viva Terra for the following tips to keeping your holiday earth-friendly and festive.

Holiday “R’s”

• Replace conventional tree lights with energy efficient LED lights. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that if everyone did this we would save enough energy to heat 200,000 homes for a year. LEDs also release little heat, making them safer as well.
• Recycle scraps of fabric, ribbon, buttons and other materials into unique holiday decorations – a fun activity for children.
• If you are giving a gift that requires batteries make sure they are rechargeable.
• Reuse. Save packing cartons and shipping material like peanuts and shredded paper for later use.
• Reduce energy. Turn down the heat before the guests arrive. You’ll save energy while the extra body heat of your guests will warm up the room.

Celebrate the Earth

• Walk or carpool to parties and family gatherings to save fuel.
• Plan serving amounts ahead of time to avoid food waste; if you still have leftovers, freeze them for future meals. Or, give a gift to your garden and compost them instead.
• Create romantic (and flattering) ambient light with groupings of votive candles in attractive cups; they’re long-burning and efficient.
• Give your tree back to the earth. If you choose a cut tree this season make sure you recycle it. Check Earth911 for info on recycling in your area.
• Prune evergreen shrubs and trees and use them as decorations for your holiday table or sideboard.
• Plant some new trees to replace the one you use this season. Visit American Forests to learn how.

Creative Gifting

• Free your inner artist, and make your own gift cards from recycled post cards, magazines, photos or note cards.
• Make the wrapping part of the gift – put personal care items in a new bath towel, gardening supplies in a tote bag, homemade cookies on a beautiful wood platter.