Greener Holidays by Shawn Dell Joyce on Creators.com

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Greener Holidays

It's hard not to feel Grinch-green during the holidays because of the rampant consumerism, waste and emissions generated by all of that shopping and gift-giving. Here are a few ways to green your holidays without being a Scrooge or a Grinch.

Those lovely twinkling lights can generate as much global-warming pollution as about 250,000 cars, according to Union of Concerned Scientists. That means that if you decorate your home and tree with 10 strands of 100 bulbs lit eight hours a day from Thanksgiving to New Year's, it can cost you up to $200. Powering the same amount of LED (Light-Emitting Diode) mini-lights would cost less than $10.

Why not donate all your old lights to Salvation Army and invest in LED mini-lights? Don't balk at the higher cost of LEDs; you'll get that money back on your electric bill. Generally, LEDs will pay for themselves in the first two years. An added benefit is that fires are less likely because LEDs give off very little heat, and they last up to 20 years.

Tinsel and plastic decorations are an environmental hazard. Most are made from plastics that cannot be recycled and may photo-degrade when exposed to sunlight. That means that they break down into smaller and smaller particles that get absorbed into living things and wind up in our bodies. Skip the phthalate-laden plastics and use natural materials for decorations, such as popcorn and berry strings; cut-paper snowflakes; and real greenery.

What you put under the tree is as important as what you put on the tree.

Gift-wrapping paper is costly and often used only once before winding up in a landfill. Many of the shiny parts of gift-wrap are environmental hazards. Consider buying recycled gift-wrap, or better yet, try making your own. Paper grocery bags turned inside out make sturdy wrapping paper that can be decorated with real holly, straw and other natural materials. Putting unwrapped gifts in reusable tote bags instead of gift bags is giving two gifts in one.

Emailing cards is the greenest way to send holiday greetings. Homemade cards or cards printed on 100 percent recycled paper are the next best. Opt for cards with an enclosed coupon or gift certificate instead of mailing bulky gifts to far-flung relations. Large, cumbersome gifts take much more gas to deliver and generate more emissions in the process.

When entertaining for the holidays, plan seasonal menus and cook what is available locally in your area, even if it takes a little extra effort and money. This reduces the "food miles" your ingredients travel and generates less in greenhouse gases. If you're a guest, bring a bottle of local wine or a dessert from a local baker. When you buy from local food producers, you spread the wealth locally — and you get an interesting story to tell at the dinner table.

Shawn Dell Joyce is an award-winning columnist and founder of the Wallkill River School in Orange County, N.Y. You can contact her at Shawn@ShawnDellJoyce.com. To find out more about Shawn Dell Joyce and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.