Enviornmentally Friendly Stockings

In our home, we always received stockings stuffed full to the brim every year and with a few small odd gifts included in the mix. This year you could skip the stockings altogether to save the planet, time, and cash. Stockings are a huge tradition in my family and I don't think we could just skip them. If, like me, you are set on having stockings, then you could make them a little greener then they have been in the past.

For starters use the same stockings for as long as they are useable and in good condition. There is no need to replace your family stockings every year. As a Christmas activity for the kids, you could have them design and decorate their own stocking that they can use for years to come. If you need to purchase new stockings use the old ones for rags, shipping insulation, or as supplies to decorate the new ones.

Instead of using candy as filler in your stockings this holiday season, you could go with nuts, granola bars, or other small and healthy treats that your family enjoys as an alternative. We like to use sesame seed and honey bars. If healthy treats don't appeal to you, then try to buy your treats at craft fairs and such. Handmade candies and treats can offer a great alternative that reduce carbon emissions because they are local, and are generally better for consumption as they aren't usually jam packed full of preservatives like commercial treats are.

In our home, everybody could count on getting a new toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, razors, and some small bottle of body spray or lotion in their stocking every year. This is a great way to stock up for the family and a great time to do so as these things are usually on sale around Christmas. All of these products are offered in healthier, earth friendly versions. For example, consider buying deodorants that are made out of large salt crystals. This kind of deodorant is a bit more expensive then conventional brands upfront, though they last a very long time. The one I have has lasted me over six months already. The salt kills odor causing bacteria, and doesn't leave a sticky film behind. Also there are no worries about the contribution to breast cancer with salt stone deodorants as harmful cancer related chemicals are not in them, just salt.