Tips for Going Green This Holiday Season

Protecting our planet is everyone's responsibility. Even just a few easy modifications to your holiday planning can make a positive contribution.

• Instead of traditional holiday cards (which people are just going throw away anyway), consider email newsletters or cards this year. It's good for the environment, fast and a lot less expensive than paying for postage.
• Give green this holiday, by purchasing eco-friendly gifts for friends and family. Think: reusable gift cards, or tickets to a local show, or check out toys that are made from recycled materials. There are many ways to give green this holiday!
• Wrap green this holiday. Instead of the normal trappings and wrappings by using glossy paper that will just hit the landfill, consider green gift wrapping options such as cloth bags, newspapers, or decorative jars and tins to wrap your gifts in this year!
• Another great way to go green for the holiday is to stay home and shop online. There are great deals to be had for cyber shoppers this holiday season and having all gifts packaged and delivered to your door can save you from the hustle and bustle of long lines and a lot of time spent idling in parking lots.
• It's easy to go green with your Christmas decorations as well! Consider replacing power-hogging Christmas lights with LED Christmas lights. They run off of half of the power of a normal light, and still have beautiful luster. There's a lot you can do to make this a green holiday, without having to change any holiday traditions!
• Plant a Tree. A tree can be a very thoughtful and loving gift for someone. Planting a tree in honor of a loved one is a gift that will be enjoyed for years to come.
• Remember the true meaning of the holidays. Share your love with each other and the planet; recycle.

Hosting a Planet-Friendly Holiday Dinner

• Purchase the essential items that you will need to cook for your holiday dinner. Make a list before going to the grocery store so you don't go overboard.
• Try shopping at stores that sell organic and locally grown crops. Don't waste gas by driving out of the way to specialty stores. Try to find everything at one or two locations.
• Use cloth napkins and real silverware instead of disposable utensils and napkins. This will reduce the amount of waste going to landfills.
• Give extra food to the needy by sending it to a food bank. Or have your guests make donations to local food banks.
• Put leftovers that guests will be taking home in a reusable container or bag. Biodegradable bags will work too.
• Set the mood for a comfortable, relaxing dinner by lighting candles for the meal instead of using electricity. Purchase soy candles, which burn cooler and longer than other candles containing paraffin and petroleum.

Maracay Homes wishes everyone a very safe and happy holiday season.

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