Have a Cheaper, Greener Christmas!

Just because the holiday season is upon us should in no way stop our efforts at being green. In fact, during this time of potential extravagance and over-spending, the possibility for wastefulness is more prevalent in my life. I cannot either afford nor have the desire to waste time, money, and especially resources, natural or otherwise. With that in mind, here are my top nine ideas for staying green this Christmas.

Reuse wrappings-try wrapping gifts in things like newspaper, packing paper, or reusable bags.

Buy gifts from resale shops-there are untold treasures at your local resale shops. Sometimes you can find antiques, handmade items, and one-of-a-kind gifts at often deeply discounted prices. Sometimes resale stores connected to charities receive items to stock their shelves with that are donated from well-known retailers. These items are usually new and in the original boxes, and the items I've seen have been offered at very reasonable prices. Shopping at a resale store not only helps your wallet, but keeps pre-owned goods from collecting in landfills. To top it off, many times the money you spend there will go towards helping a local charity.

Consider purchasing items in kind. Contact organizations that will deliver things from livestock, to building supplies, to shares of a well for a village when you make a corresponding donation.

Sponsor a child. A few families I know have sponsored a needy child through various charitable organizations for their own children in lieu of expensive gifts.

Use a reusable tree. If you have an artificial tree, use it instead of cutting down a live one.

Live tree decoration. Pick a live tree on your property and decorate it with edible ornaments for the birds and critters that are hungry. Try seeds, nuts and veggies, or spread peanut butter on pinecones for the local wildlife.

Shopping carpool. It's much more eco-friendly, safe, and fun when you approach the mall with a friend or two!

Throw on that sweater! In my house, we turn the heat down to 68 degrees and put on extra layers to stay warm. Lower your heating bill while making less of an impact on the environment!

Create gifts with what's on hand. We encourage this kind of thoughtfulness at Christmas in my house. I would much rather receive a gift made from recycled materials than something new and expensive. Look around your house and see what you can upcycle into a new gift. For instance, after my father passed away, he left a substantial stash of neckties behind. The following Christmas, I took strips of the fancy silk, sewed them together into a simple pattern and made a pillow for my sister out of them. She cherishes that little recycled gift to this day. It doesn't have to be over the top, either-consider collecting favorite quotes or inspirational stories from an aged parent or grandparent, combine that with a few old photographs, and put together a memory book for a family member.

With a little creative effort, we can remain green throughout the year, no matter the occasion.