Greening the Holidays

Want to be environmentally conscious this holiday season? There are plenty of ways to be mindful of the planet while still spreading holiday cheer.


Go Local: when looking for the perfect gift, look no further than Cambridge! Check out the list of locally owned businesses that are members of the non-profit organization, Cambridge Local-First. In particular, check out Greenward, a store on Mass Ave that sells "eco-modern" goods. Or, consider a gift certificate to a local certified Green Restaurant.

Green Gifts: Check out these 101 Green Gift Ideas for an array eco-friendly gift ideas. And, learn the art of re-gifting and getting away with it...something we all are tempted to do every once and a while! You're sure to find an appropriate green gift for everyone on your list.

Give Less Stuff: Take your sister to a movie, make a donation in your mother's name, cook your boyfriend an organic dinner. There are plenty of ways you can give this season without giving stuff. And, think outside the box with these these alternative gift ideas.

Wrapping Reuse: Wrap your gifts with things you have around the house; magazine pages, retail shopping bags, old maps or even pickle jars (washed out of course). Give a gift within a gift by placing it inside a canvas bag, reusable gift wrap cloth, or wrapping it in a scarf. Reuse ribbon and add some natural flare, like a pine cone, instead of a bow. Green gift wrapping can be fun, functional, and save you money.

Mindful Decor: Save and reuse decorations, make garland out of cranberries or popcorn, buy a real tree (you can't beat the smell), nix the tinsel and fake snow and be crafty by making original decoration or ornaments from that junk-drawer of yours. Reduce what you send to the landfill this holiday season. Natural decorations can be beautiful (and tasty) and old/reused decorations add character.Checkout more ideas here.

Green Cuisine: Buy local, sustainable and organic for your holiday feast. And even better, do so on a budget. Wherever you will be this holiday, check what is in season for a fresh and delicious meal.

Photo Credit: jek in the box/CC-NA-ND 2.0