Seasons Greenings

Seasons Greenings: Tips for Being Green Over the Holidays

By DC EcoWomen Guest Blogger Carrie Hughes

No matter what you do or do not celebrate during the holiday season, there are plenty of opportunities to set a good and green example for your friends and family. Below are just a few tips that you can test out this month in hopes of starting the New Year off with a big, green bang.

Be a Green Host

*Expert Tip*: As a host, you can go the extra mile by using only non-disposable cups and flatware at your festivity. Papers and plastics are tempting because of their ease, but using an assortment of whatever plates, bowls, cups, and mugs you already have in your pantry can be fun, too. For an added holiday twist, suggest guests can bring their own holiday-themed cup that be used throughout a party to fill up on wine, beer, cocktail, tea, soda, etc. It saves you the dishes, helps people keep track of their drinks, and can make for fun conversation pieces.

Be a Green Guest

Be a Green Gift Giver

*Expert Tip*: Ditch the wrapping paper. Reusable gift bags are a great alternative. Also, old newspapers and even junk mail often provide plenty of fodder to wrap your gifts and then can be recycled afterwards. Throw a bow on there and it’s just as pretty as the shiny stuff.

If you are like me, you already nag your friends and family to live a greener lifestyle 365 days of the year. Part of breaking the tradition of throw-it-away culture is showing people that it’s not all that hard to put a little green thought into your actions. So join me in sharing some local squash and a growler of Right Proper’s finest, as we unwrap Washington Post-clad presents. It’s time to usher in a New – and hopefully greener – Year!

Photos by Carrie Hughes