Eat, Drink & Be Green

During the holiday season, Americans produce 25% more trash. That equates to 5 million additional tons of garbage in our (snow-covered) landfills. Now, that doesn’t seem very festive.  

It's official: white Christmases are so yesterday. This year, we're goin' green - and we think Santa would be proud. Check out some "out of the box" ways to keep your holiday season eco-friendly. Literally though, lay off the unrecyclable gift boxes. They’re horrible for the environment. 

1. Green Giftin’

Why spend 45 solid minutes lovingly wrapping a gift (or is that just us...) when someone is just going to tear it apart? That doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Instead of buying wrapping paper that’s sure to beeline its way to the trash on Christmas morning, take advantage of what you already have at home. Old newspapers or magazines work like a charm and look cool, too. Better yet? Buy a gift that doesn’t need wrapping, like concert tickets or a yoga class package. Those are the best kinds, anyway.

Now, onto Christmas cards. You know, the ones that get piled up and tossed on January 1st (again, maybe just us...). Regardless, among a sea of endless texts and e-vites, a holiday greeting card is gold. So, we won’t fight you on it. But, instead of running to Hallmark, check out Give-A-Tree. For every card purchased, a tree is planted. So shop your holiday heart out. 

2. Green Blingin’

To real or not to real? That is the question. We’ve laid it out for the blogosphere once before, but it’s worth repeating: a fake Christmas tree is, in every sense, an environmental burden. From its “made in China” sticker (hello, greenhouse gases!) to the PVC and lead emitted from your imposter pine, there’s never a better time to go green. Plus, that carcinogen-filled candle just doesn’t do the scent justice. We know, we know. Bah humbug.

3. Green Feastin’

Are we the only ones that park ourselves in the kitchen at family get togethers? Cause grandma’s freshly baked cookies are what the holidays are about. Oh, and love. And hope. And all those nice things. But, according to the National Resource Defense Council, 40% of your feast will go to waste. So, instead of tossing those leftovers in the trash, donate the extras to your local food pantry. Here’s a handy locator tool to find a food bank in your area. Or, just drop them off at our house. We’d love to have you. ☺

Dreamin' of a green Christmas, this year and always.