So many of us are committing to positive environmental changes in large and small ways, and the holidays can present challenges to that commitment. Read on for Stanberry Green Team’s encouragement for greener festivities with no sacrifice of fun!
Green Buying: Smart buyers buy local. Buy close to the source as much as you can for your holiday foods and gifts. Keeping money local helps in many ways; it vastly reduces use of fuel for storage and transportation of food and goods. It puts money in the hands of people who spend money locally, economically empowering the community where you live and work, thereby supporting schools, parks, and other public systems.
Green Gifting: Think conscious consumerism here. Thoughtful choices might include passing along something that you have loved to someone who would cherish it. People love homemade consumable gifts, or homemade anything. Give a Go Local card from AustinFarmersMarket.org that gives ongoing discounts with local businesses. Give gifts that empower like minded folks. How about giving someone a set of cloth napkins and a decorative holder to replace paper ones? Wrap gifts in reusable gift bags or arrange items in a basket…
Green Decorating: Think “reusable” with ornaments you buy, or go with a theme that includes items from nature; fresh greens, flowers, plants, pinecones. If you are replacing lights, consider replacing with LED. These festive lights have a much longer life span than incandescent lights. What’s more, they use up to 90% less energy, are non-UV emitting, and remain cool to the touch, so they’re safer than traditional lights. Put outdoor lights on timers to manage the energy use.
Green Waste Management: We generate so much additional waste with guest, gifts, holiday feasts! Buy foods and gifts with less packaging when you can. Make it easy to stick with recycling by having clearly labeled bins to show guests how that is handled in your home. Use real dishes and cloth napkins; wean yourself from disposables. Compost your kitchen scraps in one of the new under-the-sink systems. 
Stanberry and Associates wishes you and yours a green and festive, warm and happy holiday season!
