Going green shouldn’t stop for the holidays – in fact, making the holiday season environmentally friendly is a good way to both stay earth friendly and teach your kids about the environment. Try one or more of these easy ideas to green up your holidays this year.
* Buy recycled or organic items. Purchase organic clothing or other items, or items made with recycled content. Organic baby clothing and blankets can be remarkably soft – and are good for the environment.
* Buy used. Used items, such as winter coats, toys and other items, are in most cases just as good as new. Many resale stores sell baby clothes that have been gently worn and sometimes not even worn once (with tags still attached). Save yourself some green while doing something green and purchase used baby items. Note: never purchase used baby safety items, such as car seats; you never know if they have been part of a product recall or in an accident and could be less than safe.
* Make the gifts yourself. Rather than shelling out money for expensive toys, consider making them yourself. For small children, the simplest of toys can provide hours of entertainment. Put together a busy book by gathering several different colored sheets of felt and cutting out and sewing different patterns onto full sheets. Sew the “pages” together to make a book. For older kids, have them help make gifts for themselves or for other family members, such as grandparents. Make a clay mold of their hand prints using a kit (available at craft stores) or make batches of organic granola, fudge, or cookies.
* Decorate with natural elements. Instead of plastic snowmen and window clings, decorate with items found in nature. Take the kids out for a hike and gather pine cones, branches and other natural pieces to decorate with. Consider making bird feeders from pine cones to hang near windows and garlands of fresh cranberries. Place a bowl of pine cones (or shiny red or green apples, or pomegranates, or oranges) on the dining table for a centerpiece.
* Donate unwanted or unused items. Instead of letting unused items, such as outgrown clothing or toys, collect dust or take up valuable closet space, donate the items. Local charities such as the Salvation Army, churches and other organizations will most likely be happy to take the items and put them to good use.
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