Green travel ideas from two environmentally conscious travelers

Christmas is right around the corner (I know, I know, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet!). But it’s never too early to start preparing for an eco-friendly Christmas. That’s right, a truly green Christmas that’s fun and responsible - you can admire your Christmas lights guilt-free while sipping your eggnog. Here are some ideas for how you can implement some green strategies into your holiday celebrations this year. Some of them were inspired by an article by Jennifer on Tree Hugging Family.

1. Buy a Real Tree or Keep your Fake One

Real Christmas trees are generally more environmentally responsible than fake ones. Fake ones are often make of plastics that take a long time to biodegradable and which contain harmful chemicals and toxins. Real trees can be used and then recycled easily, and you get the lovely smell of fresh pine in your home as well. Or, if you have a fake tree already, just keep using it again and again instead of buying a new one every few years.

2. Buy Eco-Friendly Ornaments or Make Your Own

There are quite a few companies nowadays offering green ornaments - you can purchase them online and have them quickly shipped to your house. If you have trouble finding them, though, you can make your own, too!

Green Eyed Frog

Nigel’s Eco Store

Make Your Own

3. Buy Eco-Friendly Christmas Lights

When if comes to energy usage, less is definitely more. Luckily, you can now find environmentally-friendly LED Christmas lights in most stores.

4. Send Eco-Friendly Holiday Greeting Cards

Emailed Christmas cards might be the most environmentally friendly, but they probably come up a little short in the sentimentality department. Purchasing green holiday greeting cards is pretty easy these days though - look for them at your local card shop or online.

Photo: scottfeldstein