Holidays are always a time of waste and plenty with raging parties and overflowing trash cans. This Thanksgiving, cut down on your carbon footprint and give thanks for greener options.
If Thanksgiving is at your house this year, consider the following:
Reduce paper waste by sending e-vites. At the party, further reduce paper waste by using cloth napkins and “real” dishes and silverware in place of plastic and paper and save the world from global warming.
Minimize your lights by dining before the sun goes down and using dimmers and candles (made of natural waxes) for a festive atmosphere.
Use real leaves that you collect from outside instead of plastic, artificial versions. If you’re big on decorating, buy pieces that will last, rather than paper decorations that will need to be tossed as soon as someone spills gravy on them.
Make sure that you provide a recycling bin in addition to the trash bag (preferably made of biodegradable plastic).
As for the food, buy local and organic foodstuffs, from yams to turkey. Try a sustainable brand of turkey, like Heritage. Check out your local natural foods store for more turkey. Also, make your dishes vegetarian, by subbing in vegetable or mushroom broth instead of trimmings.
Make it easy on yourself and have a potluck, and spread the green around by having your guests bring a sustainable dish as well.
And in the spirit of giving, give a little something to your local foodbank so that less fortunate families can feast as well. Local charities often offer Thanksgiving dinners and you can donate food and time to serve up a hot meal for the start of the holiday season.
When the guests go home, use natural cleaning solutions like vinegar and lemon juice or a green store-bought cleansing product to make your home sparkle.
Read More Articles at WeEarth.com
Want to Shop with the Earth in mind? Check out our Earth-minded Marketplace!
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tips. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Make October 31 a Green Halloween
Holidays can be amongst the most wasteful days of the year. With Halloween coming up at the end of the month, here are some tips to ensure that you celebrate a Green Halloween, from candy to costume.
When it comes to candy, China’s tainted milk problem has become a global affair, with tainted milk products being found in Asian candy sold in Britain and the US as well as Australia, choosing organic sweets are best. Look for candy that is labeled organic or natural and fair-trade. Products with these labels undergo a great deal of supervision during production and are thus less likely to be contaminated.
For trick or treating sized confections, check out Endangered Species Chocolate and Equal Exchange Chocolate Minis, which are organic and use ethically traded ingredients. For the rest of the year and especially the end of the year holiday season, also be sure to buy organic and fair-trade treats for yourself and others.
When it comes to the all-important Halloween costume, don’t rush out to buy the cheap, mass-produced at your local drugstore. Instead of being a naughty nurse or sending your kid out as the latest superhero, get creative and you might be surprised at the environmentally-friendly choices you can make.
Go to a thrift store. They can be chock full of old Halloween costumes just right for recycling. Power Ranger anyone?
Search the web for ideas on how to make your own costume, especially if you are handy with a needle and thread. Use stuff from around the house to create your own capes, swords crowns and other miscellaneous needed to make your costume come to life.
If you have a new, unused Halloween costume, donate it. Until October 26, participating Starwood hotels are ensuring that all children get a treat this year. Click here to find participating hotels that are collecting Halloween costumes for local kids in need.
Make this year’s Halloween Green, whether you are tricking or treating.
Read More Articles At WeEarth.com
Want to shop with the Earth in mind? Take a look at our Earth Minded Store.
When it comes to candy, China’s tainted milk problem has become a global affair, with tainted milk products being found in Asian candy sold in Britain and the US as well as Australia, choosing organic sweets are best. Look for candy that is labeled organic or natural and fair-trade. Products with these labels undergo a great deal of supervision during production and are thus less likely to be contaminated.
For trick or treating sized confections, check out Endangered Species Chocolate and Equal Exchange Chocolate Minis, which are organic and use ethically traded ingredients. For the rest of the year and especially the end of the year holiday season, also be sure to buy organic and fair-trade treats for yourself and others.
When it comes to the all-important Halloween costume, don’t rush out to buy the cheap, mass-produced at your local drugstore. Instead of being a naughty nurse or sending your kid out as the latest superhero, get creative and you might be surprised at the environmentally-friendly choices you can make.
Go to a thrift store. They can be chock full of old Halloween costumes just right for recycling. Power Ranger anyone?
Search the web for ideas on how to make your own costume, especially if you are handy with a needle and thread. Use stuff from around the house to create your own capes, swords crowns and other miscellaneous needed to make your costume come to life.
If you have a new, unused Halloween costume, donate it. Until October 26, participating Starwood hotels are ensuring that all children get a treat this year. Click here to find participating hotels that are collecting Halloween costumes for local kids in need.
Make this year’s Halloween Green, whether you are tricking or treating.
Read More Articles At WeEarth.com
Want to shop with the Earth in mind? Take a look at our Earth Minded Store.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
