Dreaming of a Green Holiday: Simple Ways to Create an Inviting, Eco-Friendly Home during the Bustle of the Holiday

As the busy holiday season approaches, not only will your home be graced with guests more often than usual, but beloved family members will be arriving to share holiday traditions, as well. To have the most wonderful, stress-less, and illness-free holiday, be sure that your home is as healthy and safe as possible for your family and for your guests by “greening up” your home for the Thanksgiving,  Christmas, and New Year holidays.

Adorn Your Home with Non-Toxic, Fresh Greenery and Natural Decorations
Did you know that a typical Christmas tree has been sprayed and treated with as many as 40 different toxic chemicals? And how often do we prick ourselves on those festive needles - no wonder they itch! One of the most important things you can do to keep your home clean and healthy during the next few busy weeks is choose an organic Christmas tree and greenery to protect not only family and guests who suffer from allergies or asthma, but everyone in your home from harmful toxins. And why not consider a natural theme for your tree? Deck your organic tree with unfinished or naturally finished ornaments and handmade, compostable cranberry-and-popcorn garlands (rather than Styrofoam, plastic, and other toxic ornaments). And don’t forget to recycle your tree at the end of the season, rather than sending it to one of our burgeoning landfills.

Protecting Mother Earth during This Season of Giving
Another simple way you can encourage a cleaner, greener home and planet during the holidays is by giving earth-friendly gifts. No matter what you’ve planned to give, you’ll be able to find an organic or natural item in today’s global marketplace that the receiver will love. Tough economic times encourage us to give wisely and thoughtfully, too: Giving a heartfelt and useful gift (such as organic baby clothing, eco-friendly soft baby toys, organic body-care products, or something handmade with organic fibres or fabrics) will be appreciated not only for the thought, but so very much for the gift itself.

And don’t forget to green up the finishing touches: Choose cards and wrappings crafted from recycled paper, or have the wrap be part of the gift itself (an organic changing bag, a lovely woven basket, or an organic fabric gift bag, for example). Recycle, reduce, and reuse wrappings, cards, ribbons, and packaging. If your loved one is far away, send an E-gift card, rather than shipping heavy items to travel by truck or plane and burn fuel.

Luscious, Eco-Friendly, Thoughtful Touches for Your Guests and Family
So often, the simple touches are the most memorable and meaningful. As you dress your home for a holiday party or family gathering, consider other places to share your eco-friendly spirit – for example, place fresh bars of organic soap and soft, organic bamboo hand towels in the bathroom for guests during the party. When you’re invited to a celebration, wrap up a bottle of fragrant, silky organic lotion or a hand-knit organic scarf for your hostess. You’ll be protecting your family, friends, and planet from harsh chemicals and encouraging a better life for us all.

Most of all, be more mindful during this season. Don’t over-gift and encourage needless excess. Be attentive to the needs of others. And, as you give thanks for your many blessings and spend time with those you love the most during this special time of the year, do your part to ensure your great-grandchildren have this wonderful planet to enjoy, as we do today, by celebrating in an earth-friendly way.