I'm dreaming of a green Christmas

Well, it's that time of year again.  My favorite time of year - Christmas.  Sometimes it's hard to remember to be environmentally conscious as we drive to the mall to shop till we drop and plug in thousands of tiny twinkling lights, but there are still ways to be green during the holidays.  Here are some ideas to help celebrate the season while still caring for the environment.

Gifts: Are you having trouble figuring out what to get that one person who's impossible to buy for.  Everyone has different interests and likes, making it especially hard on a person playing Santa.  One of my favorite gifts I have ever given was from Heifer International.  I was introduced to the organization a few years ago at a church fundraiser, and it's been a favorite ever since.  The money is used to give a family in need an animal, or a flock of animals, providing them with a sustainable income, which is often a food source as well. When the animal reproduces, some of its offspring are passed on to other struggling families in the community.  So, your donation continues to "pass on the gift."

You can also look for locally-made gifts.  People don't realize how many local stores and craft fairs are in their area.  Also, there are plenty of fair trade retailers that carry great gifts, like Ten Thousand Villages and Sugar Magnolia. I buy a lot of my gifts from these retailers because the gifts are beautiful, global, and all the products support artisans from around the world.

Sugar Magnolia on Hillsborough Street.

And, if you're feeling really crafty this holiday season consider making your own gifts.  The thoughtfulness behind gift giving is even more meaningful when your gift has a personal touch.  Crocheting is pretty easy to pick up.  Your grandma probably knows how and would love to show you.  If your grandma isn't much on knitting, there are plenty of online tutorials that give you step-by-step instructions.

A scarf and hat I made.

The tree: There isn't a clear consensus on whether artificial or real trees are better for the environment.  Live trees are biodegradable, not to mention they produce that terrific smell.  But, live trees are often loaded with pesticides and are trucked long distances.  Artificial trees, on the other hand, last for years, but they are made of plastic and lead.  At my parents' home in the mountains, we use both.  Because trees are grown in that area, we don't have to worry about buying a tree from halfway around the country.  We can literally drive five miles to a local tree farm.  You don't have to drive all the way to Boone or Asheville to get a live, locally grown tree.  Back Achers Christmas Tree Farm is a family owned tree farm situated on five acres on the southern edge of Raleigh.

Once your food coma has worn off and all the eggnog has disappeared, make sure to recycle your live tree.  Many cities have recycling services that will mulch discarded trees.  Goats will also gladly demolish your Christmas decorations.

Our 15-foot Christmas tree decked out with LED lights.

Decorations: LED lights use 1 to 3 kilowatt hours of energy, compared with 12 to 105 kWh for traditional incandescent lighting. LEDs don't get as hot as traditional lights, lowering the risk of fire, and if one bulb goes out, the rest of the string still works.  Try decorating your house with seasonal fruits and vegetables like pomegranates and gourds, which can be eaten later.  Ornaments are also an easy thing you can make yourself.  Household items like CDs and yarn can also be turned into any type of Christmas decoration. Besides, who wants to be out buying expensive decorations when you could be outside making a snowman - the ultimate low-impact holiday decor?

Don't stop being green after the holidays are over.  Make it a New Year's resolution to be green year round!

Cheap and organic

The famous seal (USDA)

If you walk into any grocery store around the country, you're bound to find at least a small section dedicated to organic food.  Organic is everywhere.  There are organic clothes, food, plants, and even mattresses.

But, is organic really better?  How can I shop for it on a budget?

The fuss over organic is true.  Organic foods are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers, or genetically engineered ingredients.  Organic foods are minimally processed without artificial ingredients or preservatives.  That means all of those contaminants are kept out of your body.  Without the use of synthetic and chemical fertilizers, the air, water, and soil stays cleaner, too.

The fuss over high prices for organic food is also true.  In some parts of the nation a gallon of organic milk costs upwards of $5.00.  In today's economy it's hard to convince consumers to spend an extra 20-100 percent more on organic groceries, but buying organic on a budget can be done.

Farmers markets: Don't limit yourself to the organic section of Food Lion or Harris Teeter.  Check out your local farmers market.  The State Farmers Market in Raleigh has everything from local, organic fruits and vegetables to hormone-free beef products.  If you don't see a sign stating the produce is organic, be sure to ask. Some farmers may be making the transition to organic farming.  You should also get to know a few of the vendors.  If they recognize you from week to week, they are more likely to help you pick out the best produce and give you a good deal. 


Grocery store alternatives: You can find great deals on organic foods at retailers besides your typical grocery store.  I know Big Lots has a reputation for selling expired food, but I recently hit the jack pot there.  Big Lots sells tons of organic and natural household and food items like Muir Glen, Nature's Path, Kashi, and Method.  My best find was a huge box of Kashi Mountain Medley Granola for $6.00.  The small boxes at Kroger are $4.99.  Big Lots' products change from week to week, so you never know what kind of organic products it will have (just be sure to check the date on the box, too!).

Some of my Big Lots finds.

Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk can help you stretch your budget.  For beans, grains, and nuts, head straight for the large bags. You'll get more out of a large bag of beans than you will in a small, expensive can of organic beans.  You can store your dried goods in a cool, dry place or cook them all up at once and store the leftovers in the freezer.

Buy seasonal: Load up on seasonal fruits and vegetables for great prices. Right now apples, arugula, brussels sprouts, cabbage, collard greens, lettuce, parsnips, and much more are in season in North Carolina.  In-season products are cheaper than other foods which have to travel long distances to get to the grocery store.

Ease into organic. It can be a big step. Start by buying your favorite foods in organic, such as black beans or apples.  After a few trips to Big Lots and your local farmers market, you'll get the hang of finding the best deals on organic products.