With Christmas nearly a month away it’s time to start planning out the holiday. It’s also a great time to start a new family tradition of giving not only to your family, friends and loved ones, but also to your environment.
Here are a few ideas to consider:
Buy quality gifts that will last-Steer clear of novelty or trendy items (especially plastics) that often become a thing of the past within weeks or months. For children, stick with traditional gifts like wooden toys, cloth dolls, books, board games, puzzles, school supplies or other items that have low environmental impact. These types of gifts often hold up long enough to donate to a school or daycare once your child has outgrown them. For adults, maybe consider a gift certificate so that they can buy something that they really need.
Try a potted tree-They don’t hold nearly as many lights and ornaments, but they make an environmental statement. If you are seeking more glitz consider an artificial tree. Once decorated they look real, plus they don’t require water and will last for years. If you can’t live without the scent of a fresh cut pine tree, there are plenty of candles and potpourri that create the same effect.
Use energy efficient lighting- LED holiday lights are 10 times brighter, last longer and use 90% less energy than regular christmas lights.
Donate unwanted toys, books and clothing to charity-or sell them on craigslist or ebay.
Utilize your talents- Whether it’s a yummy batch of peanut brittle or a new ornament for the tree, anything homemade is special.
Support local markets and farmers- Buying from your local farmer means that you are getting an item that has traveled a lot less than most things you find at your average grocery store. Keep that in mind while preparing your Christmas menu. Don’t forget to bring your personal shopping tote and to avoid plastic packaging.
Recycle christmas paper- Using newspaper or fabric is also efficient. If you need to buy paper, buy recycled.
Buy gifts that come with little or no packaging- If you have ever have tried to get a Barbie doll out of it’s box you know what I am talking about. One can fill an entire trash bag with cardboard, twist ties, plastic backing and sticky tape from just one toy. It’s unbelievable how much stuff they have to use to package toys these days.
Try to get shopping done in less trips - Save on gas by making a list of what you need in order to avoid going back and forth across town. The closer to the holiday the worse the traffic gets, so early planning is helpful.
Prevent double-gifting- Communicate with relatives and friends so that your child does not receive the same gift twice. Also, consider telling relatives to donate their money to a college fund or dance lessons to avoid a pileup of toys and other unnecessary items.
Recycle your tree-If you decide to buy a cut tree, don’t forget to recycle it. It can be reused for landscaping and other gardening needs. There are several drop-off sites in Hawaii. For more information visit the Hawaii Department of Health.
Avoid disposable cups, plates, etc.-Use reusable dining items and cloth napkins.
Choose rechargable batteries- Don’t forget to recycle old batteries. In Hawaii, most Radio Shacks or Napa Auto Parts have a recycling program for used batteries.
Buy your tree locally-If you’re determined to have a cut tree, check around for local Christmas tree farmers. On the island of Oahu Helemano Farms grows a variety of Norfolk trees to choose from.
Send E-cards-Save paper waste by sending a custom card via email. If you don’t have the computer software to make your own card you can visit a variety of online sites like Care2.com that do the job for you.