Give back to mother earth this holiday season.
From wrapping paper and trees to the flashing holiday lights, the season’s festivities can take a toll on natural resources. You can still celebrate the holidays without giving up any traditions as small changes add up.
For a financially and economically greener holiday, follow these simple three changes from Natural Home magazine.
Artificial trees are made from petroleum byproducts. A real tree, whether an evergreen or creative alternative, generates oxygen and brings a fresh smell into your home. Non-organic trees depend on herbicides and synthetic pesticides for their lush consumer appeal. After the holidays are over, if composted, tree mulch greatly benefits the earth’s soil.
Photo by Povy Kendal Atchison
Light strings are initially relatively cheap, however, the cost and consumption of electricity is often taxing on the holiday budget.
You can reduce energy by switching to LED lights, limiting the burn time, or using a timer. With their energy-efficient and safety reputation, LEDs are becoming widely available. They range in an variety of sizes, colors and shapes.
Another alternative to traditional lights are solar-powered light strings. They are not as widely available as other light strings, but that is quickly changing as their color selection is expanding. Unlike LEDs, they require no electricity yet depend on a small solar grid. Like many alternatives, solar-powered light strings have a higher upfront cost. However, they cost nothing to operate.
When it comes to wrapping gifts, keep this simple advice in mind: Rewrap it. During the holiday season, an additional 25 percent increase of waste is generated and unfortunately much of it is paper-based products that could have been recycled. Every year bags, wrapping paper, boxes, cards and ribbons carelessly end up in the landfill. Reusing last year’s holiday paper is a great alternative to recycling and is also cheaper.
For holiday cards, e-mailed greetings are becoming increasingly prevalent and the greenest option out there. With personal touches like a family photo or links to personal blogs or web pages, e-mailed cards do not have to feel generic.
A Green Christmas and Beyond
SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona can help you take thinking green beyond the holidays by simultaneously beautifying your home and reducing our dependence on petroleum.
In fact, 37% of Sorona is made from renewable resources instead of the more limited pertroleum-based ingredients in most other carpets.
As the old adage says: "Tis better to give than receive." With SmartStrand, you're giving the planet the attention it needs while giving your home the very best!