Walking the Line Between Green and Grinch

Editor's Note: We posted most of this article last year, but the advice rings true this holiday season too.

This time of year is tough for the environmentally-conscious. The allure of holiday lights conflicts with the image of Appalachian mountaintops being blown up for coal. Glossy wrapping paper, plastic bows, and shrink wrap laugh at the forlorn recycling bin. And then there's the Christmas tree. Let's start there.

Real or plastic? Artificial trees are made from fossil fuels in far-away countries and shipped over here by boat and truck. That's a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere for one little tree. However, that little tree can last for decades if cared for properly. Spread out over such a long time, the environmental impact doesn't seem as bad. A real tree, on the other hand, can be planted if you buy a live one. If you go to a local tree farm to cut one down yourself, the tree really hasn't traveled far at all. If you buy one from one of the many roadside vendors, ask where the tree came from and try to find one that grew up nearest to your house. When you're finished with the tree, make sure it gets composted. Lawrence Township will compost your tree if you leave it on your curb.

What about all those lights? You can save buy light-emitting diode (LED) holiday lights. They're a bit more expensive than incandescents, but they burn cooler, last much longer, and use far less electricity – up to 90% less. LEDs are becoming easier to find; you can even buy fancy shapes and colors online.

When thinking of gifts, consider these options: Keep your money local by buying a gift certificate to a nearby, non-chain restaurant or service. Buy something hand-made, preferably by a local artist. If you’re buying a hand-made gift from far away, make sure that it comes from a fair-trade merchant, which is one that pays its workers a living wage and might even be giving back to the community where the piece was made. Stay away from items that are mass-produced in slave-wage factories and sold in chain stores unless you know that’s what your friend really, truly wants. If you, your friends, and family are tired of getting so much “stuff,” consider making donations to your loved ones’ favorite charities instead.

As for wrapping paper, a lot of it can't be recycled because it is coated in metals or plastics. But paper gift bags, which come in many sizes, colors, and patterns, are not only recyclable but also reusable. Add a little tissue paper, which can also be reused and recycled, and you're giving a bag that can take home a pile of gifts.

If you're hosting a holiday party and need to use disposable plates, try compostable plates and utensils, or buy heavy plastics that can be washed an re-used. And, please, do not serve bottled water.