You Can Have A Green Holiday!
It’s not about doing without at Christmas; it’s about doing it differently. Cutting down your carbon footprint over the holidays doesn’t mean cutting out all the fun. It’s not about sacrificing. It’s a simple matter of giving extra thought to typical holiday events, from the turkey dinner to shopping for gifts to decorating the house.
By now, most people are aware of the environmental benefits of eating organic, locally grown food. But a green Christmas dinner doesn’t stop there. To avoid polluting your body, for instance, avoid non-stick cookware. Teflon, or PFOA, is a know human carcinogen.
Also, try to make your own cranberry sauce rather than eat the canned stuff - canned food can contain bisphenol A, a hormone disrupter.
As environmentalists regularly point out, taking baby steps such as these may not change the world, but it’s better than doing nothing at all. Besides, baby steps can take you a long way.
Bring reusable, fashionable Green Girl totes when you go shopping and, if you’re giving electronics as a gift, throw in reusable batteries and a charger.
When it comes to gift-giving, opt for either things that are going to last a long time or an experience, like a massage, pilates or yoga gift certificates or going to an art gallery or the theatre.
For those who want to go the extra mile, take a stand against packaging. I encourage where possible to leave some of that packaging at the store. You don’t have to deal with it at your home and you also send a signal to the companies that this type of packaging isnt’ always necessary.
The excess of the holidays can be overwhelming, but even individual efforts can reap big results. You can figure out where you want to make an impact. You don’t have to do it all.
The best part is the gift you’re giving yourself by helping the environment. Your reward is getting out and enjoying it, whether skating, skiing, tobogganing, a beautiful hike, surfing or swimming in the ocean.