Can you imagine the version of the song “White Christmas” adapted to (cue music please), “I’m dreaming of a green Christmas with every homemade Christmas Card I write”.
Santa suggests Rudolph may want to switch to a compact fluorescent bulb.
Ok, Ok. We know that most likely your preparations for the holidays have come and gone and the last thing anyone wants to do is stress about their environmental impact as they celebrate the holidays. But it is possible to celebrate and be eco-conscious all while keeping the spirit of the holidays. Remember the words of Thomas Watson, “The great accomplishments of man have resulted from transmission of ideas and enthusiasm.” So, as we prepare for the holidays we take a quick moment to share our enthusiasm with you while we reflect on Santa’s carbon footprint and how we can keep the holidays jolly, joyous and green.
What can our gift to Mother Earth be? The Natural Step Monona has prepared some lighthearted and clever ways to tread more lightly during the holidays. Enjoy their videos here: http://www.youtube.com/tnsmonona
Maybe Ebenezer Scrooge just isn’t moved by a deeply-felt environmental conviction. Like the timeless Dickens’ classic, “A Christmas Carol”, how might the three Christmas spirits encourage Scrooge to live deliberately, making deliberate choices that are sustainably satisfying?
The Ghost of Christmas Past might surely show visions of Christmases past gleaming with excess and glitter and mounds of paper and pounds of packaging and hours of energy consumption. One can still honor the traditions of Christmas and most importantly spend a joyous time with friends and family with a few green tips:
- If every family reused just 2 feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet. http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/pf/90678787.html
- If you already have an artificial tree (or if you’re lucky enough to own a vintage aluminum tree manufactured right here in Manitowoc, WI www.seasonsgleamings.com ), go ahead and use it. Otherwise consider that artificial trees are made from petroleum-based polyvinyl chloride (PVC), are not recyclable or biodegradable (although they can be used from year to year), and often travel long distances from their location of manufacture. Compared with a real tree nearly all of which are grown on tree farms (while growing they help to remove carbon from the atmosphere, and new trees are continually replanted) and sold at seasonal tree lots, are biodegradable and most municipalities offer tree collection services and then grind the trees into wood chips and mulch for use in the spring.
- Instead of traditional energy-thieving twinkle lights, try switching to LED lights or solar powered Christmas lights. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, if every home replaced conventional holiday light strings with LEDs, at least two billion kilowatt-hours of electricity could be saved in a month (for more energy saving tips visit: http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/save_energy.html The advantages are multifold: 1) LEDs are believed to be 90 – 95% more efficient than traditional holiday light strings; 2) if one LED bulb burns out, the rest of the string will continue to function; and 3) LED bulbs are cool to the touch, reducing fire and singe hazards. Not a believer? Our resident skeptic switched out his impressive outdoor Christmas light display and is a convert. In 2008, using traditional outdoor twinkle lights, he consumed nearly 600kWh. In 2009, he has consumed only 300 kWh for a substantial savings. And, of course, turn out the lights at bedtime.
- And all the paper, paper, paper. If you just can’t embrace using kraft paper grocery bags or comics to wrap your presents in, what about orient-inspired re-usable wrappings such as holiday towels, cloths, scarves, or bandanas. According to the Sierra Club, if every family wrapped just three gifts this way, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields. www.sierraclub.org/tips/holidays/aspx. And if you must use traditional wrapping paper, lessen the carbon footprint by using recyclable paper or reusable gift bags. Avoid glossy foil and metallics.
Scrooge’s frosty attitude may be able to embrace that much green. So what message would the Ghost of Christmas Present impart? Presents! Let’s reflect on what the season is all about. Gifts are essentially gestures of thoughtfulness. One thoughtful gift means a lot more than a pile of impersonal ones.
- Your local Chamber of Commerce would certainly encourage you to shop local.
- Vote with your dollars, and avoid purchasing products in excessive packaging.
- Consider giving the gift of an experience. Movie or concert tickets, restaurant gift cards, sports events tickets, theater tickets, museum memberships, club memberships, or purchase an engraved brick or tile in their name at a local non-profit. When asked for a charitable donation, Scrooge’s retort was, “Are there no prisons? Are there no workhouses?” What better time of year to consider a charitable donation in someone’s name. (examples: www.oxfamamericaunwrapped.com or see the Nature Conservancy’s green gift guide at support.nature.org)
- Remember, the greenest product is the one that already exists. So think of it not as regifting, rather sustainable green gifting!
- According to the EPA, about 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. Consider giving gifts that require no batteries.
- Skip the kitsch and invest in a quality gift, not junk. Even most kids would rather have one great toy than some junk that will break or be forgotten before the 12 days of Christmas have even concluded.
- Food is always appreciated. How about a gift of tea, coffee, chocolates, hot chocolate, cheese, sausage, candy, homemade sweets …
- And if receiving gifts, means you have a surplus some of which you wish to retire, donate your excess quality goods to local thrift shops for a second lease on life.
The Ghost of Christmas Future applauds the ecological responsibility you have chosen to embrace. But warns not to become the Christmas Grinch proselytizing green when the family just wants to enjoy time together. Consider that a holiday gathering is a time to share with loved ones and is not the ideal venue at which to get out the soap box to preach carbon footprint reduction. Better to lead by shining star example than lecture.
For additional ideas, check the website of your favorite environmental group. Many have compiled their own green checklists.
Most importantly, have a very merry Christmas by choosing what has meaning for you and your loved ones. And in the words of Tiny Tim, “God bless us everyone!”
