‘Tis the season…for an environmentally GREEN Holiday…..and it can be in more ways then one…..outside the TREE.
However the tree itself would be a nice start….
At SPAPARAZZI, our team of editors and their families fully appreciate, with each passing year, the importance of giving and going GREEN and we’d like to share some of our most favorite gift-giving and decorating tips this holiday season!
Here’s just a few:
Rather than purchasing or cutting down a LIVING tree why not resurrect and recycle a fake, artificial Christmas tree. YES that OLD tree stored in your family’s closet you had long forgotten about. The sad little tree in your closet or basement which has been collecting dust for years.
So you tossed that old, artificial tree out many moons ago? All is not lost! Many can still be found this time of year at local garage sales, second hand stores or antique and flea markets. Online shopping sites such as eBay are also havens for those fake trees trying to find a new home!
Now let’s take it one step further…..why not vist your local library or do a search online on how to decorate a tree in the days long ago before electricity. Not only would it add a simply nostalgic touch but in many ways can help you get in touch and appreciate what is really important this holiday season. Stringing popcorn also, never goes out of style.
And if you absolutely MUST still have a touch of electricity, try the new energy efficient LED string lights. While the lighting effect will be much softer it provides a great alternative to the traditional lighting.
Here are some additional tips to Go Green this holiday season …..
RECYCLE….many gifts can be bought USED…that doesn’t mean they don’t still have value….remember the eye is always in the beholder.
My own family circle is quite large on both sides and a few years back we decided to start a tradition with a WHITE ELEPHANT Christmas Gift Exchange. Everyone brings a used gift….and places it in one pile. We then take turns selecting one gift from that pile. It’s been quite FUN because a few of us just can’t resist regulary spicing it up with some rather funny GAG gifts and of course you never know if you are going to be the lucky recipient of one of those until it’s a bit too late!
You can also think eco-friendly when it comes to wrapping paper options. There is still beauty to be found in simply utilizing a recycled brown paper bag from the grocery store to use as gift wrap or perhaps the daily newspaper or colorful Sunday comics. What about old fabrics or linens? All can provide a wonderful touch for wrapping those holiday gifts which are only controlled by one’s imagination.
How about a National Park Pass??? If you have someone who truly enjoys the GREAT outdoors this makes for a thoughtful and much appreciated gift.
Have a jewerly lover in your family? Many VINTAGE and antique jewelry items can be purchased for a fraction of cost of those found at normal retail jewerly outlets…..and can be quite exquisite at that….
Or……why not give the gift that keeps on giving with a set of energy-saving light bulbs and who doesn’t run out of those in the course of the year? Not only will it save them a trip to the store, but it will certainly save on the gas to get there!
If you purchase clothing as a gift this holiday season, make a point to select apparel with an ORGANIC label, such as cotton, bamboo and hemp. Mother Earth will thank you for it.
For those of us with a sweet tooth, one can readily locate confections online or elsewhere, such as chocolates, that adhere to earth-friendly standards.
Have a gardening enthusiast in the family or as a friend? Why not consider a grab bag of seeds, organic gardening or composting supplies or better yet a composter!
In addition, natural care products run HIGH on our list of priorities for holiday gift giving this season.
Without question, one of the BEST assortment of GREEN personal care GIFT options would come from TOM’S OF MAINE. Why not consider putting together a goodie basket from their vast array of great products. I don’t know of anyone who wouldn’t appreciate finding THIS under the tree!
TOM’S OF MAINE offers products that are free from artificial ingredients, never tested on animals and produced using environmentally sustainable business practices. It doesn’t get any better than this.
Visit them here online at TOM’S OF MAINE
In closing, we challenge you to do your part by GOING GREEN this holiday season. Truly the best gift you can give back to Mother Earth!
BEST WISHES and may you all have a joyous and blessed holiday season!
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