 Last month, we asked how you’re cutting down on waste and having a more environmentally friendly holiday season. It turns out that Synergy readers are keen on going green!
Many of you use an artificial tree year after year to save live trees. One survey participant sticks a few live evergreen branches in a faux tree so it smells like the real deal. Another collected a huge pine branch that fell during a storm to use as a Christmas tree.
More suggestions for an Earth-friendly holiday: decorate live trees in containers and plant outside after the holidays and opt for energy saving lights and timers to save electricity. Instead of buying pre-made decorations, gather pine cones, glossy magnolia leaves and other natural items from your yard to create festive décor. Many of you are skipping traditional holiday cards and saving paper (and money) by emailing cards instead.
Recycling is high on your "greener than ever" holiday list this year – from using grocery bags for holiday cleanup chores to saving and recycling gift boxes, ribbon, wrapping and tissue paper. How to totally skip boxes and paper? One Synergy reader suggests sewing simple reusable gift sacks to hold presents.
Your gift ideas are both environmentally friendly and downright creative, too, and include giving baked goods, crafts made from recycled materials, certificates for services like housecleaning and yard work, and tickets for a play or museum visit. One reader gives shelled pecans as a present and includes envelopes of plant seeds for spring attached to a ribbon bow.
Chesley P. was picked at random from all survey participants to receive a $50 Visa gift card. Chesley is making the holidays delicious and environmentally friendly by giving home-made baked goodies. Happy holidays and many thanks to everyone who sent in these great ideas!
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