Q: How can I protect the planet this holiday season?
A: Gift Ideas -
· Keep an eye open for products made from recycled materials.
· Gift certificates to a favorite store or tickets to a concert, theater production or sporting event.
· An annual pass to State Parks.
Entertaining -
· When planning holiday festivities, make it easy for your guests to recycle at gatherings.
· Use plates, glasses and cutlery that can be washed and re-used.
Public Transit -
· Let someone else do the driving on holiday shopping trips- Try a bus, train or subway. Check with local public transit for special holiday routes and hours.
The Giving Tree -
· When it comes to trees, you have plenty of beautiful options. With live trees you can have a tree to enjoy year-round. Ask your local nursery which trees grow best in your area. Artificial trees are cost effective and they can be reused year after year. Cut trees are beautiful. But remember, they take up valuable landfill space, so be sure to have yours composted.
Wrap It Up -
· Use old posters, comics, colorful shopping bags, even old maps.
· When you receive gifts, be sure to save the ribbons and bows.
Conserve Energy -
· Turn off holiday lights when you go to bed.
· String popcorn and cranberries, instead of lights.
· Close your chimney flue when your fire is extinguished.
Q: What are some Green Resolution that I can consider this year?
A: Here are seven ways to reduce your impact on the Earth:
1. Recycle. If you aren’t in the habit— start today, and encourage others to do the same. Recycling not only saves natural resources, but also saves energy!
2. Remember the other important “RA”- Reduce and Reuse. Help to lessen the amount of waste by buying items that use little or no packaging, or “buying in bulk” which reduces unnecessary and excessive packaging; and, find ways to use items over and over again (e.g. refilling your empty water bottles).
3. Buy recycled-content products. Remember to “look for it, ask for it.” Resolve to “buy green” by purchasing at least one recycled-content product on a regular basis, such as paper towels or computer paper, that is made with post consumer content.
4. Free your home from toxins. Don’t flush paints, solvents or chemicals down the toilet. Toilet bowl deodorizers, cleaning solutions with lye and many spot removers contain harmful solvents. Baking soda and vinegar substitute as great all-purpose cleaners. A wide variety of non-toxic cleaners, such as Seventh Generation, can be found at stores like Whole Foods Market and Trader Joe’s. Cut down on pesticides and fertilizers in your garden and limit what you wash into rivers, bays and oceans.
5. Spare the Air. Resolve to minimize using your car whenever possible. Use public transportation, carpool or bicycle once or twice a week for more exercise and cleaner air.
6. Learn to Compost. Convert yard clippings and vegetable peelings into nature’s fertilizer. Your garden will love you for it. Many cities and counties offer composting workshops and free or discounted compost bins.
7. See the Great Outdoors. Whether city, county, regional or state - visit California’s world-class parks. Park volunteer or docent opportunities and special programs geared to kids represent ways to contribute to your community and enjoy nature at the same time.
Thanks to Stanford University for these great ideas.
