The holidays are not known for being eco-friendly. In fact, the quite the opposite is true due to mass consumerism, extra travel and of course a massive amount of waste and trash. This sounds like an eco-family’s nightmare. With careful planning and thoughtful consideration however your Thanksgiving can be as Green as any other day.

 Green Travel? Stay close to home instead!

So often the holidays amount to added travel. Not only is this pricey and stressful but it also adds significantly to our carbon footprint. Instead, combine a trip to Grandma’s with another holiday/vacation and this stay close to home. Make it a new tradition to spend Thanksgiving with friends, family and co-workers locally. Encourage others to do the same. If you do choose to travel, avoid planes if possible. Instead opt for mass transit. Between buses, trams, and trains, many of us could still travel regionally without the guilt of such a huge carbon setback

 Green cleaning

When preparing for guests or recovering from guests, every hostess knows a big part of the party is cleaning. Invest in green cleaning products rather than nasty chemical-laden ones. Better yet, save a few pennies and make your own cleaning products. Good old fashioned vinegar and baking soda can go a long way in terms of cleaning. Make sure that the dishwasher is filled to the rim before starting it. Dishwashers are very efficient at cleaning a full load of dishes when compared to washing by hand. Before loading, scrape the plates and hand rinse rather than wasting water and energy using pre-rinse settings. Also avoid other odd cycles like heavy rinse, pots and pans etc. For maximum energy efficiency make sure to set the dishwasher to air dry rather than using the drying function.

 Speaking of Energy

With all the happenings in the kitchen between the stovetop burners cooking away and many tasty dishes baking, your home is going to get warm- quickly! This is even truer if you already have a household of guests over. Do yourself a favor and save a bit on your heating bill. Turn down the heat a bit and set your thermostat for a lower setting for the day. If you want to take it a bit further, reduce lamps and instead use soy candles to offer an energy efficient way to produce a peaceful holiday ambience.

Crowd control

Don’t bother showing off to your Mother-in-law with exotic, gourmet dishes that use ingredients flown in across the world. Not only is this horrible for climate change, simply putting together such dishes are dreadful in terms of energy usage. People aren’t looking for the exotic. Instead, the most popular, and appreciated dishes, are often the traditional fares most of which can be bough locally and/or organically. MAny farmer’s markets go year round. Check into local CSA’s as well. Invest in local produce, dairy, eggs and cheese for your holiday meal. Also, don’t forget to investigate local organic and free-range farms for the ham or turkey of your dreams. Furthermore, skip the eighteen side dishes and salads. The gluttony of Thanksgiving is known worldwide. Offer your family a celebration of the season’s bounty reasonably and cut down on waste. www.use-less-stuff.com offers a handy guide for portion control. Their guide per person for food and drink is approximately:

Turkey- 1pound

Stuffing- ¼ pound

Sweet potatoes ¼ pound

Green bean- ¼ pound

Cranberry relish- 3 tablespoons

Pie- 1/8 of a 9 inch pie

After the meal, evaluate how much was eaten. If it’s your tradition to host or assist with the meal, write down the amounts and have a better gauge for next year! If you do have a huge troupe (like we have!) consider buying food stuffs in bulk. This will not only help your carbon footprint but your wallet as well. Don’t forget your reusable shopping bags too!

 Go vegetarian

These days many eco-minded individuals are going vegetarian. The Vegetarian Resource Group has estimated that between 6 and 8 million adults are vegetarians. When planning the meal, don’t forget to offer vegetarian dishes. Even if your family are omnivores, simply by offering a few vegetarian or vegan dishes, your Thanksgiving meal is already becoming even more eco-friendly. Don’t know where to start? Try looking at recipes at www.food.com or www.organicconsumers.org. These are simple, easily done locally and very tasty- even for those of us that love a bit of meat on the side.

 A Lil Drinky-poo?

A party isn’t a party without beverages! Consider serving beverages that are local or organic. Many farms this time of year offer apple cider that is always a big hit. No farms near you? For those of you ready for adventure, try making apple juice and cider yourself. Our family does every year. Not only is it cheaper, tastes better, more healthy but it’s also appreciated so much more. Also, check into your area and see if there are any local breweries or wineries. The closer to home you buy the less carbon impact your drink is going to have on our world. Plus, it feels great to buy locally and keep monies moving within our communities rather than corporate America.

Setting the table

Avoid at all costs using disposable tableware. It is tempting especially if you simply do not have enough table settings. Resist this horrendous temptation. Instead, use your own tableware, ask for guests to bring their own potluck style or invest in a few extra place settings via department store or better yet thrift store. This also works for obtaining an extra gravy boat or a decorative table runner you think may be in order. This will save your wallet more than just a few pennies and you won’t feel the disposable guilt weighing you down that night.

 Decorate naturally (Yes! You can do it!)

It’s absolutely foolish to waste money and time racing out to the mall to buy plastic Thanksgiving-themed decorations that will break by next year anyway. Instead, take a hint from nature. A simple centerpiece of squash and pumpkins with a few candles can be cheaper and just as lovely. Set out baskets of pinecones. Put the kids to work making place settings with cardstock and dried leaves. You may even want to consider buying a plant to use as a living centerpiece. In a pinch? Opt for a lovely organic centerpiece with fresh flowers from your local independent florist or head out to the thrift store to see what goodies you may discover!

Losing the leftovers

After the big meal comes the great clean up. Don’t forget to compost! This holiday more than any other creates the most amount of food waste. Use it to feed our earth. Also, if you do miscalculate or that kooky uncle and his family no-show and you suddenly have too many leftovers to bear, simply remember to send some home with your guests. For my bachelor brothers, this is the best part of Thanksgiving! Consider asking guests to bring their own Tupperware just in case. Or use empty cool whip, cottage cheese and yogurt containers to send home some of the bounty. This way you are reusing, not wasting and providing a plentiful lunch for a loved one in the following days.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle- Oh My!

Last but not least is the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! While you have thus far been attempting to reduce, don’t’ forget the others! Reuse the decorations for next year! Use the containers you bought the ingredients in as Tupperware. Instead of the plastic or paper disposable table linens invest in cloth ones that can be reused again, and again! What can’t be reused, remember to recycle!

By using these simple strategies, your family is sure to have an enjoyable and environmentally friendly Thanksgiving season. That we all can be thankful for!

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that people spend 90% of their time indoors. However, indoor air quality can be two to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Not only is this not sustainable for our environment, its certainly not sustainable for our bodies.

How to Keep Our Homes Healthy
The most effective way to keep air in your home healthy is to simply rid your home of things that cause air pollution such as cigarette smoke, excess moisture and chemicals.

Deadly Disaster
Some indoor air pollutants can kill. Among the most dangerous are these three:
Carbon monoxide: 400 die and thousands are sickened annually.
Secondhand smoke: 7,500-15,000 children are hospitalized or sickened with respiratory tract infections and older adults with cardiovascular or lung illness are at higher risk of health problems.
Radon gas: It’s silent. It’s odorless. It’s found in many American homes, and it is the second biggest cause of lung cancer, after cigarette smoke.

Each year second hand smoke sends up to an estimated 15,000 children to the hospital. Hundreds of thousands of children will develop respiratory tract infections from second hand smoke this year along. Older adults and those suffering from lung and cardiovascular diseases are also at higher risks of respiratory problems from cigarette smoke exposure. The Surgeon General states that there is no safe level of secondhand smoke. Do not allow the smokers in your life to smoke inside your home. Instead, simply take it outside.

Carbon monoxide is odorless, colorless and dangerous. Each year over 400 people are killed from carbon monoxide poisoning and thousands of others seriously ill due to over-exposure. Carbon monoxide levels can rise very quickly in unventilated areas. Protect your family by installing a carbon monoxide detector, preferably near bedrooms. Have all fuel burning appliances inspected yearly. Do not run carbon monoxide emitting motors indoors. Simply running a car or lawnmower inside an attached garage or shed can seriously endanger your family’s health. If you must have engines on within the garage, consider investing in a high-quality seal to best protect your home and family.  Only use gas stoves and heaters indoors that are vented directly outside. Never use charcoal grills indoors.

Radon is an odorless, invisible gas that occurs naturally in soil and rock. It can only be detected through testing. It is also a lethal invisible killer. Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer.  It has been estimated that radon is the direct cause of thousands of death annually.  Protect your family from this danger by testing for radon. Testing is easy, inexpensive and should be a priority.

Ventilate! Ventilate! Ventilate!
Properly ventilating your home is critical in order to protect your family, our earth and improve air quality.  High levels of moisture increases dampness mold and mildew. These fungi not only damage your home but also your health. They are linked to increased wheezing, coughing and asthma attacks in people with allergies. Normal daily living act ivies such as; cooking, washing and even breathing — produce water vapor.

Furthermore, it is crucial to properly ventilate and pull dangerous pollutants out of the home. Cooking can be a big source of indoor air pollution, especially if you use a gas stove. Scientists who measured indoor air quality found that cooking a single meal on a gas stove can produce levels of nitrogen dioxide that the EPA considers unsafe to breathe.  Run the exhaust fans in your bathroom and kitchen. Open your windows whenever possible. Make sure the exhaust system for your appliances and stoves works properly

Thinking of Painting?
Paints release trace amounts of gases for months after application, despite the fact that they appear to be dried and the smell is gone. These gases are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and can include highly toxic chemicals including formaldehyde and acetaldehyde to name just a couple. When painting, use Freshaire’s Choice paint or other no-VOC paints. If those aren’t available, always use low-VOC paints, varnishes and waxes. When painting indoors, open windows and use exhaust fans. Never store open paint containers indoors.  It’s also important to remember that lead-based paints can still be found in many homes. Any peeling, chipping or chalking of lead-based paint can result in delays in mental development, lower IQ and behavioral problems in developing children after simply inhaling lead paint dust. Many of these health challenges are permanent.

Remodeling is a messy business. We all can recall that awful dust in what once was our home. Although such dust makes exposure easy, the EPA offers six recommendations to reduce exposure:

• Ensure children’s play areas are dust free and clean

• Leave lead-based paint undisturbed if in good condition.

• Do not sand or burn off lead based paint or paint suspected as being such.

• Do not remove lead based paint yourself

• Do not bring lead dust into the home

• If work or hobbies require lead based paint, change clothes and use doormats before entering your home.

Mold, Mildew and Moisture- Oh My!
High humidity and rain often bring moisture indoors. This dampness creates the perfect atmosphere for mold and mildew; two big problems for healthy air. Dampness alone has been associated with higher risks for wheezing, coughing and asthma.   Combine that with mold and mildew, and your family could have serious respiratory issues. Asthma is the a serious chronic illness of children in the U.S. Help avoid asthma by Checking your foundation, basement, roof and crawlspace for any issues in need of repair each year. Fix leaks immediately. If there has been water damage, seek professional assistance.  Dry the affected area. Immediately replace any furniture or materials that have been we for more than 48 hours. Ensure that all rainwater is routed away from your home’s foundation and avoid this costly, unhealthy risk.  Use a dehumidifier and/or air conditioner when needed.

Those Nasty Mites
Dust allergies are actually allergies to dust mites. Dust mites are microscopic pests. The feed on human skin and live within bedding, pillows, mattresses, stuffed toys, carpet and upholstery. They are also linked to asthma in children. These little pests however require moisture to survive.  To begin battle with these pests:

• Use a dehumidifier

• Keep  the humidity in your home under 50%

• Remove carpets

• Consider utilizing intensive steam cleaning and vacuuming

• Use mite resistant covers on all of your bedding

• Always wash linens in hot water

Leave It Alone!
Asbestos is a mineral fiber that is often found in many older homes and building. Inhaling tiny asbestos fibers can increase the risk the lung cancer and other lung diseases. Asbestos is often found in flooring, pipe coverings, roofs and shingles. It is critical to check asbestos containing materials regularly for damage from tears, water or wear. However, do not try to remove it. Experts advise to leave asbestos undisturbed when possible. If you are looking into remodeling, protect your family and yourself- invest in a professional to help with that dangerous project.

Dirty dry cleaners
Dry cleaning solvents are strong chemicals. They are often toxic to breathe. Let dry cleaned items air outdoors before happily carting them to your closet. Hanging them on an outdoor clothesline is simple, easy and prevents any of these chemicals from entering your home.

Woodburning Stoves
While we all love the crackle of a wood burning stove, they also create carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides and particle pollution as well as other toxic air pollutants. Try to limit usage for only heating purposes. Always ensure it is fully vented to the outside.

A Sea of Endless Chemicals
Chemicals are nearly endless throughout our home. Disinfectants, adhesive or bonding agents, insecticides, urea formaldehyde foam insulation and particle board all may contain one of the deadliest chemicals available- formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a carcinogen and can cause serious health issues including eye, nose and throat irritation, coughing, skin rashes and asthma. Always check your products prior to purchase and opt for the organic alternative when possible.

Pesticides are another example of chemicals we invite into our lives. Pesticides used to curb household pests can actually just bring in harmful chemicals into our homes and present added health concerns for our families and pets. Limit, if not rid, your home of such chemicals. Manage pests in more natural ways. Also block holes and keep food in tightly sealed containers. Cover trash cans. Keep floors and counter free of crumbs. If necessary use bait traps or call a professional for assistance.

Another example of free-loader chemicals come in the form of hair and nail products, cleaning products, art and hobby suppliers and other common products. These combined can greatly raise the level of VOCs. Use organic products and avoid VOCs if at all possible. Stop using aerosols (they were so 1987 anyway). Stop using harsh cleaning products. They are terrible for your home, your family, your air supply and even your water supply. Instead, look into natural alternatives or opt for the organic equivalent. Do not use artificial air fresheners. They contact dangerous chemicals and dangerous byproducts. Instead, opt for the natural alternative.

Remodeling, Redecorating, Re-vamping
When remodeling or updating your home, remember to consider air quality in your remodeling plans. Be sure to handle old materials properly, and to consider air quality when deciding upon a design or plan for the update. Avoid using carpet, as most carpets contain significant amounts of VOCs and are wasteful to our earth. When purchasing new furniture, seek out low-emission furniture and make a significantly less impact on our earth. Furthermore, remind others to always take their shoes off upon entering the home. While this is polite in some cases, it is environmentally friendly as well. Shoes can easily track chemicals and pollutants inside the home. Finally, add houseplants in order to clean your indoor air. They are decorative, super green and great for air quality!

The Limitations of Air Purifiers
Some people seem to believe an air purifier is the answer to their air pollution. Nothing could be farther from the truth. While an air purifier could be part of a comprehensive plan and they have its definite limitations. First, they are able to get out only the tiniest particles. Secondly, they are costly and utilize energy that is debatable how worthwhile it is. Thirdly, they do not protect against gases or humidity. Finally, some of these appliances actually contribute negatively towards our ozone issue. If you opt for an air purifier, ensure that it does not release ozone directly or as a byproduct.

By following these simple steps you can not protect your family’s health but also improve your air quality and contribute to a greener, healthier future for our earth.

During the holiday season American will produce 25 million tons of extra garbage, clogging our already overflowing landfills. Pair that with carbon emissions from added travel and shipping costs worldwide as well as the added demand for energy for our twinkling lights and the outlook is gloomy at best. Not exactly a way to enter into the Holiday season with joy, is it? With a little bit of thought, planning and creativity your family can not only experience a kinder, greener Christmas, but they create long-lasting family traditions as well.

Get a head start!

One thing I have found in trying to keep our holiday season greener is it’s never too early to start. Start before the season gets too hectic. I always have my eyes peeled. Thrift stores, consignment shops and garage sales often are like treasure chests for our Christmas. This goes both ways. Each fall our family goes through our toys as well as our winter clothes and jackets and donates what we can’t use. This not only declutters our home before the holiday season hits, but it also recycles these items so others may make use of them and supports jobs at our local resale shops.

 Oh Tannenbum!

Many people are caught in a bind each holiday season. The Christmas Tree. The tradition of decorating and lighting trees in the deep, cold winter goes back thousands of years to the early European tribes. A home ready for the holidays just isn’t the same without a Christmas tree is it? When pondering the Christmas tree conundrum, here are a few facts to consider. First, many believe that an artificial tree is more environmentally kind. The issue lies in the fact that these “trees” are manufactured from products of great concern for the “green” consumer. They are made from petroleum based products, combinations of PVC, and mildly toxic plastics. They are also shipped from countries throughout the world simply to make it to your living room before eventually ending their life in a landfill. If you opt for an artificial tree, buy a used one. By utilizing Craigslist or your local thrift store you are already recycling it at least once.

The cut Christmas tree is an energy intensive process regardless of where you buy or what species you buy. From production to harvest and finally to transportation, these trees create a multi million dollar industry that utilizes far too much energy. Artificial trees, despite their shortcomings, can legitimately cut down on this energy waste. Furthermore, nearly all of these cut Christmas trees are exposed to massive amounts of pesticides. This is of serious concern for some. It is noteworthy to mention the fact that while the Christmas tree agricultural business is huge in many communities. Such farms are generally operated year round and utilize land that wouldn’t be suitable for other types of agriculture. There is a cost however. Some of the most potent polluters of groundwater are typically used on such Tree farms. The result is chemicals that have been long banned for human consumption finding their way into our very own groundwater. Cut Christmas trees do have a definite upside. Many cities now offer Christmas tree recycling. After the holiday season these trees are up-cycled into valuable mulches that not only naturally compost, offer weed suppression and thereby lessen the demand of pesticides but also slow soil erosion. If you choose to buy a cut Christmas tree, check in your area for any organic “no spray” tree farms. Also, find out what your city offers regarding tree recycling.

Finally, a new option for the holiday shopper is living Christmas trees. Opting for a live tree is energy consuming and a bit pricier, however, your family has the option of keeping the tree and watching it grow year to year. Such trees come in pots and as long as they are kept reasonably cool and watered they continue to clean the air indoors just as they will once planted in the spring outdoors. In comparison to the chemical laden artificial tree and the polluting cut tree, this option is appealing for many. No where to plant your tree? No worries. Some companies are even offering renting a Christmas tree! Another idea: donate it! There are plenty of parks, reserves, churches, boys and girls clubs, and other non-profits who would love the donation!

 Deck the Halls

When decorating your home consider using biodegradable items rather than buying more plastic. Quite frankly, don’t we all have enough? Beautiful swags, centerpieces and wreaths can all be easily made. Making your own garland is not thrilling for the little ones but better for our earth too. Remember, once upon time Christmas was decorated with nothing more than real evergreens, holly and berries. Throw some pinecones, apples, oranges, nuts, cinnamon sticks and a bit of glitter- you’re table will be looking more festive and greener than ever! No time to get innovative? Consider checking out up-cycling websites. Many offer a numerous options for Christmas decorating. Try Etsy! You are not only helping the environment by up-cycling but also contributing to our economy by buying direct from the artist!

While some environmentalists have chosen to do away with lighting the tree and go after a more traditional look, others cannot bear the thought of Christmas without lights. Incandescent lights however actually emit more heat than they do light. A single string of lights actually produces the same amount of heat as a small space heater. Some misguided consumers have opted for the smaller fairy lights. However, these lights still consume 2.5 watts not to mention the environmental costs of production and transport. If you opt to decorate with lights consider using LED string lights. While these lights are pricier initially they draw a mere .6 watt and thereby offer not only a 90% savings but also a more eco-friendlier approach. Be mindful with them however. They do still contain plastics, are not recyclable and obviously demand a certain amount of energy via transport and production.

If candlelight is more your style consider opting for soy based or beeswax candles. These candles burn cleaner, longer and contain no petroleum products. Watch for the wicks though! Some candles utilize wicks with lead. Simply check the wick for any wire and then enjoy!

Wrapping paper is a big problem but it certainly doesn’t have to be. Currently, much of our holiday waste comes in the form of packaging, wrapping paper or related items. While we all may feel a bit like Grandma when reusing wrapping paper, she truly was onto something. When buying wrapping paper always look for 100% recycled paper. Save ribbons! Many times these can easily be reused with other gifts or in craft projects. Consider investing in gift bags. These are easily reused time and time again and often look very festive. Get gutsy and get creative! Comics, newspapers, the kids’ art pictures, crossword puzzles, sheet music, posters, towels and napkins can all be transformed into very creative ways to package your gifts. One of the most fun gifts I’ve received was a local wine wrapped in a vintage table runner. Another idea is to use baskets. All year I pick up wicker baskets of all shapes and sizes and use these with a bit of confetti and a bow to package our gifts. I’ve had several people compliment me on how very pretty these gifts are. Options are endless once you begin to think outside the box.

Christmas cards contribute to a vast amount of waste each year. More than 2 billion Christmas cards were sold last year alone. Imagine what that looks like in a landfill? What is a green girl to-do though? I personally struggle with this one. I make cards. I love cards. I love sending cards nearly as much as I love getting cards. I cannot bear the thought of canceling Christmas cards. If you can, good for you! Perhaps someday I will be a stronger woman too. However, if you are like me and happily await the Christmas season with cards in hand, consider making your holiday greetings a bit greener. When buying cards, only buy 100% recycled cards. When making Christmas cards remember to use 100% recycled card stock. Look for natural options to embellish your cards rather than racing to the scrap booking store. Leaves, photos, stamps, feathers, buttons, lace and ribbons are all “supplies” I am either reusing or finding outside in nature. Another idea I personally use each and every year is simply reusing old Christmas cards. Pictures and inscriptions can be cut, ripped or “burnt” and then used as gift tags, decoupage projects for the kids, strung on ribbons and strings to decorate the tree or doorways or embellishments for this year’s batch of cards. The result is personal, seasonal and beautiful.

 Green Dinner Options

When planning the holiday meal try to focus on going local for your ingredients. Prioritize organic foods over processed ones. Limit meat options and instead offer more side salads and dishes. By taking the time to do this you will be helping your local farmers, lowering carbon emissions, lowering pollutants and living healthier. Save yourself some time and check out www.localharvest.org. They offer a complete listing of Farmer’s markets, Family Farms, CSA’s and Organic Markets throughout all of the U.S. This organization is one of my top favorites without a doubt!

Green gifting

Green gifting is my favorite part of the holiday season. I love to give gifts. In fact, I probably over-gift. Rather than heading to the local Wal-Mart to get more stuff that people probably won’t use, I try very hard to keep my gifts green. When buying gifts remember these important factors:

• Carbon-emitting travel

• Direct and indirect energy consumption

• Material waste and landfill potential

• Toxic materials

• Social inequity

Consider going local for gifts. Nearly every community has artists of all mediums. This cuts on carbon emitting transport and production as well as contributes to your own community. Seeking battery-free gifts is another way to be kind to the earth. Although re-gifting was once very taboo, its now commonplace. Have a gift that Aunt Sue gave to you that really would be perfect for your officemate? Go for it!

Our family enjoys up cycling and crafting for our gifts. The web is chalk full of DIY ideas, patterns and instructions for nearly every imaginable item. This makes a gift much more personal, allow my children and I an afternoon of fun, generally is easy on the purse and is eco-friendly! How can you go wrong?!? We’ve made everything from candles and soaps to scarves and mittens. They have been a total hit. Gift crafting doesn’t have to be difficult. Last year, we filled wicker baskets with confetti, bows and then added local wild rice and maple syrup. Our family members who have moved away were thrilled to have a taste of home for their gift. This year we are doing the same but with homemade strawberry jam and pancake mix. I am confident it too will go over wonderfully. Another very easy idea is jar mixes. We have frequently put together the ingredients of a soup or cookie recipe in layers in a mason jar, screw the top on with a bit of Christmas fabric and/or raffia and you have an affordable, colorful, green gift perfect for friends, teachers and coaches.

Another idea is gifting without experiences rather items. Consider purchasing year passes to museums or parks. Many aquariums, zoos, history centers and the like offer yearly family passes. For the kids in your life consider buying them play tickets, musical performances, classes or summer camps. For the adults on your list, invest in gift certificates to local restaurants, bed and breakfasts, theatre performances or the orchestra. Placing reservations to tour a local organic winery or brewery (for the beer fans) is another way to offer experience rather than corporate consumerism. These experiences will all be valuable and appreciated and are zero-waste.

Buying charitable donations as gifts not only is eco-friendly but truly is the gift that keeps giving. www.Oceana.org offers a program where you can adopt a sea creature. All proceeds go towards ocean conservation. www.heifer.org allows one to purchase livestock which in turn is sent to families in third world countries. But it doesn’t stop there. Heifer stays with the family, teaches them how to care for the animal and utilize it as a business (I.e. cows for milk, bees for honey etc). This benefits that family’s health directly, the community’s health indirectly, and offers income to poverty stricken areas. We have donated to Heifer for the past seven years. Their organization is nothing short of incredible. When a close friend died recently we bought several livestock in her name and sent a card to her family. Her mother was moved to tears at the thought of her daughter’s tragedy turning into a blessing for years to come for others. I cannot say enough about this organization. www.Womenforwomen.org is another amazing gift idea. Through their program you can “adopt” a woman in a developing nation. These women are survivors of war, civil strife, crisis and extreme poverty. Their program is a year long program in which they address the woman’s health needs, educational needs, and provide for her a way in which to become self-sufficient and stable. We have “adopted” two different women and communicating with them through the year has been nothing short of eye opening. This is definitely far more rewarding then a yet another gift from a big box store.

Yet another idea is to purchase a volunteer vacation for your loved one. This offers your family the chance to give back to local communities restore and protect local ecosystems and still enjoy a holiday. Many have testified at how renewing this can be. For more information, ideas and locations check out www.volunteerguide.org

Consider buying a CSA membership for those on your gift list. This offer them local, organic quality produce each week for entire year! You will feel proud at gifting such a thoughtful and eco-friendly gift!

For the green thumbing tree hugger on your list consider indulging his/her passion. Many nurseries allow you to order bulbs, bushes, and trees for spring in advance. For the urban environmentalist visit www.treepeople.org to explore sustainable solutions to urban ecosystems.

Another idea would be to invest in a green cleaning service! www.maidbrigade.com and www.greenmaid.com both specialize in full service, entirely environmentally friendly cleaning service for both home and office. What better gift idea than to simply give someone a break and all the while still helping our earth?!?

It’s easy to look at our holiday season and see the glitz, glitter, and gluttony. However, when you take the time though to break down the problem, issue by issue, it quickly becomes clear that we do have options, many of them in fact. It is possible to lessen our impact, even as Santa’s sleigh draws near. Set a manageable goal. Whatever green options you weren’t able to use this year, you can next year. Starting somewhere is the priority. Going green for the holidays can be looked at as a change, a challenge or a game. Your efforts will benefit our ecosystem and offer many opportunities of quality time with your family.