Skip to main content

Earth Christmas

Guide to Sustainable Merry-Making

There is symmetry between living in an ecoconscious manner and the spirit of Christmas. Striving for peace on Earth and good will to all can also be expressed in reducing the holiday’s impact on the planet.
  • Alternatives to a cut or artificial plastic Christmas tree abound. Purchase a potted tree to replant later; buy from a local Whole Foods grocer or farmers’ market, even seek out an organically grown tree; or make an artful tree from driftwood or a large houseplant.
  • Instead of hanging plastic icicles and placing Styrofoam ornaments on Christmas tree branches, go natural and unique. MindfulMomma.com suggests checking nearby woods or gardens for pine cones, evergreen boughs, bark, holly berries and fresh mistletoe; those living close to coastlines can pick up seashells with holes in them. TipJunkie.com guidelines include making paper ornaments and holiday yarn pieces.
  • Save energy in tree lighting. Today’s LEDs look good, use up to 75 percent less power and typically last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. Turn them off when not at home and overnight.
  • Consolidate shopping trips to reduce fuel emissions and buy gifts that support the community. Buy from independent, locally owned stores or galleries that showcase local artists, instead of from national retailers whose products are shipped from faraway places. Consider choosing gifts in the sustainable realm like solar-powered chargers for e-devices. Share gift certificates for holistic services or art classes. Use reusable tote bags when shopping.
  • Give of yourself. Play outside as a family. Gift a collect-on-delivery IOU for skills or assistance based on personal talents. The most meaningful gift of all may be writing an admiring letter from the heart.
  • According to MotherEarthLiving.com, Americans generate 25 percent more waste during the holidays, much of it wrapping paper and cards. Don’t overdo it with tape when wrapping presents and then instruct everyone to carefully unwrap them so the paper can be stored and reused next year. Instead of buying and snail-mailing holiday cards, send emails with photo attachments of the family.
Eco Tip

 

 

Upcoming Events Near You
The Tick Tackler Tutor: Three Impactful Tick Remediation Strategies for the Homeowner

By Jennifer Meisenbacher

Did you know most tick bites occur in and around the home—and that ticks spend more than 95% of their life off a host?

With more than 19 years of field experience, Tick Tackler offers a practical, easy-to-follow approach that empowers homeowners to significantly reduce tick activity on their properties. From gardening and yard work to children’s play areas, this guide outlines essential adjustments to help protect your outdoor spaces from ticks.

The Tick Tackler Tutor introduces three impactful strategies designed to identify high-risk areas and minimize exposure. These methods are versatile and adaptable—whether you’re a homeowner, pet owner, beekeeper, or managing a larger property such as a doggy daycare or horse farm.

Inside, readers will discover how education leads to confidence, how small changes can yield visible results, and how breaking tick control into manageable steps restores a sense of control. The book simplifies complex concepts into three core strategies, guiding readers in creating a personalized plan to reduce tick activity effectively.

For those eager to reclaim their yards but unsure where to begin, this guide delivers clear, actionable solutions. Transform your outdoor environment into a safer, more enjoyable space for family, pets, and everyday living.

Available now on Amazon.

Follow Us On Facebook