Christmas time doesn’t have to be a burden to the environment. Do something totally amazing this year – give a gift to the Earth! Here are some simple ideas on how to have a greener holiday season:
1. Opting for silverware instead of plastic when possible
2. Suggesting that people and businesses opt for non-toxic de-icing substances
An awesome de-icer that works great is the well known Sodium chloride (NaCl).  It is especially great if you buy rock salt. This was first used as a de-icer in the 1940’s. We have came a long way since then. Why rock salt, or salt in general is great – is because it draws heat from the environment instead of releasing it. Side note: it loses most of its de-icing effectiveness as the temperature goes below 25 degrees F or -4 degrees Celsius. In addition, more heat is generated by friction. thus with moving cars or traffic the rock salt’s effectiveness increases.
3. Using recycled material for wrapping gifts or gift tags/cards
4. Opting for some vegetarian dishes (an abundance of meat is consumed over the holidays)
The BBC’s Good Food has a great collection of vegetarian dishes to choose from, including main courses, starters and snacks.
5. Be sure to place organic material, including trees and wreaths in a place for collection.
The city mulches this material for use in residential or parkland. Here is the website that has further information on how you can recycle your Christmas tree.
6. DIY gifts: Gift Baskets
For all you master chefs out there, this is the perfect DIY gift for you. You can whip up a batch of your loved ones favorite cupcakes, cookies, candies, and so on so forth. Also, pick up some fuzzy socks, hot chocolate, and a cute mug then put all of these goodies into a cute gift basket. You can always switch the hot chocolate with coffee; the possibilities are endless. For more of a festive touch you can add a couple candy canes, as well as some cinnamon sticks. Now you have a customized gift basket that your special someone will be sure to enjoy, and everyone else will be jealous of.
