Business : Make This Holiday Season a 'Green' One

Everywhere you look there are signs of the holidays – decorations, Christmas trees, festive lawn decorations and advertisements for this year’s “must-have” gifts.

Unfortunately, along with all of this holiday cheer comes a tremendous amount of additional waste. During the few weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, we generate an additional one million tons of waste per week compared to any other time of the year. Thinking green this holiday season should include more than bough and holly. Consumers are encouraged to keep the four R’s in mind this time of year – reduce, reuse, recycle and rejoice. Oklahoma State University Extension offers the following guidance on how to “green” your holiday season.

It may take a little bit of planning, but being eco-friendly can also help save money. Many families entertain more during the holidays and here are a few tips that are beneficial to the environment.

* Plan ahead to avoid impulse buying.

* Turn down the heat.

* Use free online invitation services.

* Consider renting formal attire or buying from consignment shops.

* Ask guests to bring canned food, clothing or toys for a local shelter.

* Purchase products in recyclable containers.

* Bring reusable grocery bags to the store.

* After the party, send leftovers home with guests, freeze it or compost it.

* Donate untouched food to local food banks.

* Use durable serving ware instead of disposable.

* If you must use disposable goods, buy paper because it is biodegradable.

* Use cloth napkins and pull out the family linens.

Technology makes it much easier to stay in touch with family and friends. Send e-greetings instead of traditional holiday cards. If you choose to send cards, purchase ones made from recycled paper. Another idea is to look for recycled cotton cards embedded with wildflower seeds. These cards can be planted in the spring.

When it comes to gifts, less is better. In an effort to reduce the amount of gifts this year, consider giving gift certificates for services, create and give a family recipe book, plant a tree in someone’s honor, consider giving gifts only to the children in the family, make investments for family members in green companies and donate unwanted gifts to charity.

Consumable gifts are a great option this holiday season. A membership to a local museum or zoo is a great gift for a family. Gift certificates for a facial, pedicure or other spa service is surely to be welcomed. Another idea is to make a personalized coupon book for services such as car washing, a massage, cooking lessons, snow shoveling or house cleaning. Check to see if your area has a local food co-op or other group that delivers locally grown fruits and vegetables.

When it is time to wrap gifts, make tags from old greeting cards. Use old maps, wallpaper scraps, newspaper comics or reusable gift bags. Simply tie a bow around a large gift such as a bicycle.

With careful planning and consideration, you can help make this holiday season even greener. And as you head into the new year, keep practicing these activities in an effort to be green all year long.