10 Eco-friendly Holiday Tips

10 Eco-friendly Holiday Tips

Have a green, eco-friendly holiday with the following easy tips.

1. Recycle wrapping paper and save gift boxes and bows to use next year.
2. A one-time purchase of a fake tree can save gas used for annual trips to the tree farm.
3. Recycle live holiday trees. For a list of recycling centers that chop trees into mulch and logs visit Earth911.com.
4. According to a U.S. Department of Energy study, if everyone replaced their holiday light strings with LED light strings, the monthly savings would be enough to power 200,000 homes for a year! 
5. Purchase eco-friendly recycled glass ornaments.
6. Light environmentally friendly beeswax candles, which can be made or purchased. Beeswax candles emit a brighter, longer burning flame that release negative ions into the air, cleaning the air and invigorating the body. Paraffin candles release smoke and toxins into the air.
7. Mail holiday cards printed on 100% recycled paper, or opt for e-cards.
8. Make eco-friendly decorations such as strung popcorn and pine cone decorations.
9. Avoid disposable products when entertaining guests.
10. Give eco-friendly gifts that do not require batteries. For gifts that require batteries, purchase rechargeable batteries.

Almost $2000 is spent in the average American home each year on energy! For tips to lower winter energy use, read How to Save Energy This Winter.

Happy Holidays!