Week 35 - HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Thanksgiving is over for another year and it’s time to turn our focus to the next holiday, Christmas. Many people bought their Christmas tree and began decorating their homes on the weekend. What is the first thing we do to our trees and our homes? We untangle the lights and get them strung. This year we should consider something new: LED lights. LED stands for light-emitting diode and its technology that uses very little energy. In fact, LEDs will likely become the norm in our homes; they are the next step beyond CFLs.

So what makes them so special, why are they better for the environment and why should we use them? The following explains all you need to know.

The Good News

1. LED string lighting uses approximately 90% less energy than standard incandescent string lights. The EPA says Americans will consume about 2,220 giga watt hours (GWh) of electricity with incandescent Christmas lights in 30 days during the holiday season. If everyone in the country switched to LEDs, it would save about 2,000 giga watt hours of energy. That’s amazing!
2. The product has a long life-cycle. LED string lighting will last for 50,000 hours or more. Obviously, replacing lights less often reduces waste.
3. Price wise, LEDs cost about five times as much as incandescent lights upfront. But remember, their life span is 50,000 hours, instead of 1,000-2,000 hours for incandescents. That means if you lit the LEDs for 45 days each year, 24 hours a day, it would take 46 years for them to dim. The LEDs would pay for themselves in about 4 years.
4. LED string lighting produces very little heat and remains cool to the touch even after hours of operation. In comparison, incandescent lights give off as much as 90% of their energy as heat. So it follows LEDs are safer to use next to combustible materials like say, Christmas trees.
5. HolidayLEDs.com has a Christmas light recycling program. Visit their website for details.

The Bad News

We will be seeing labels on Christmas lights which states they contain lead. Don’t panic, they always have, they just didn‘t have to label them. The wire covering of the lights are unfortunately made of PVC and the lead “acts as a heat resistant insulator and color stabilizer for the wiring“. The U.S. government has determined that they are safe when properly used. Even so, keep the following in mind to ensure everyone’s safety:

1. Do not allow children to handle the lights.
2. Always wash hands thoroughly after handling the lights.
3. Make sure curious toddlers (who want to put everything in their mouths) are kept away from the lights and any other items that may contain lead.

Regardless of the type of lights you choose here are two more things to keep in mind:

1. You can maximize holiday lighting savings by using a timer. Leaving lights on 24 hours a day will quadruple your energy costs--and create four times the pollution.
2. Remember untended incandescent lights can cause fires, so always unplug your interior holiday lights before going to bed or leaving the house.
   

It’s comforting to know we don’t have to “Grinch” Christmas to be kind to the environment. We just have to know what our choices are and when we’re ready, make the best one. I won’t be getting rid of my incandescent lights this year, but when it’s time to replace them, I will definitely go with the LEDs!

Week 34 - Real vs. Fake

This week is Thanksgiving and the weekend to follow is a huge Christmas tree buying time so I thought I should address the various choices we have in terms of what kind of tree to buy and the environmental impact of each.

Artificial Trees

The Pros

1. They are fire- retardant.
2. They can be used for years (although thegreenguide.com claims people throw away their artificial trees after only 6 years of use).

The Cons

1. The trees are made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which produces cancer-causing dioxin during both their manufacture and incineration.
2. They also contain lead.
3. Many are manufactured in China.
4. They travel a long distance.

Fresh Cut Trees

The Pros

1. Although farmers may clear land for tree farms, the land is still being used for farming (instead of being developed into say, the next strip mall).
2. Although trees are being cut down, they are continually being replaced; they are a renewable resource.
3. Some claim the trees do not provide animal habitats, but I have seen plenty of bird nests at the farm we get our trees, so I beg to differ.
4. The trees can be mulched after Christmas.

The Cons

1. Land is sometimes cleared in order to plant the trees.
2. Herbicides are used in the care of the trees.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

1. If you can find one, buy an organic tree.
2. Buy from a local grower so you leave a smaller carbon footprint (an actual farm versus a tree lot).
3. This one has nothing to do with the environment, but taking your family to a tree farm to select the tree and cut it down, is a wonderful holiday tradition.

Potted Live Trees (perhaps the best choice)

The Pros

1. Live trees can be planted outdoors after Christmas. If you don’t have space, ask a friend if they would like it or check with a local park.
2. They are a renewable resource.
3. Even if it dies, it can still be mulched.

The Cons

1. Land is sometimes cleared in order to plant the trees.
2. Herbicides are used in the care of the trees.
3. Potted trees are more expensive.
   

Keep these ideas in mind when purchasing your Christmas tree and make the choice that’s best for your family. If you prefer an artificial tree (say someone has allergies), use it forever and pass it on to the next generation. If you choose a fresh cut tree, recycle it. If you opt for a live tree, plant it or mulch it if it doesn’t “make it“. Whatever you choose, just get the most out of it!

Week 33 - Greetings and Wrappings

As I mentioned last week, this time of year is when Americans generate tons of additional garbage that will end up in our landfills. There are two very wasteful traditions which come to mind, and to change them, we need to refocus on what is important. The first is the tradition of sending holiday cards and the second (far worse environmentally speaking), is the tradition of wrapping presents. We’ll begin with the perhaps easier one, cards.

Holiday Cards

According to the Greeting Card Association, Americans spend $7.5 billion dollars on greeting cards each year. That’s amazing! Think of what $7.5 billion dollars/year could do to improve our world! Why do we do it? Well, because we like to be remembered and we enjoy sending out holiday wishes and family photos to let others know we are thinking of them too. That’s ok. We just have to think of better ways to do it. Here are some ideas:

1. Send your greetings electronically

Yes, I know email seems cold and impersonal, but it really is the most environmentally friendly way (oh, and the cheapest). Just think about it.

There’s:

• no paper


• no envelope


• no stamps


• you can send your family photos


• you can mass email your family holiday letter (if that’s something you do), and make it as long as you like


• you don’t have to think of something “special” to write in each card (not to mention the hand cramp), and most importantly,


• there’s nothing to throw away after Christmas

2. Buy recycled

• If you must buy cards, look for those made from the highest percentage of PCW (post consumer waste). Sadly, according to idealbite.com only “a tiny percentage of the 2.65 billion cards bought in the United States each year are made from sustainable paper“.


• If you have no luck in stores, search online. Sites like paporganics.com and store.gxonlinestore.org offer organic cotton and/or fair-trade holiday cards. There are many options.

3. Make your own

I think it may be easier to find blank cards and envelopes made from recycled paper. So here’s a time when you can be creative or if you are not particularly crafty use your computer. If you don’t have the time, let the kids do it. Whatever you choose, the card will have more meaning to the recipient since the time and effort you put into it will be apparent.

4. Don’t send anything

• Make a call instead.


• Make an agreement with friends and family, not to send cards. That way no one will feel slighted if they don’t receive one from you.

5. Get together

I know we all feel rushed and stressed at this time of year, but we are in complete control of that. This year put the brakes on and only do as much as what makes you HAPPY! It’s supposed to be a cheerful time. Take more time to actually enjoy your family and friends. It really doesn’t matter if you give great gifts, if you’re miserable to be around. Stop with the gifts and the cards; give 'yourself' instead. Choose a day/night, a restaurant or bar, and meet your friends for a meal or drink. Have some down time, enjoy each others’ company and truly celebrate the season!

Now to the more difficult one:

Wrapping paper

Every year I think the same thing, “what a waste”! My kids take 10 minutes to undo a few hours of work and in the trash it goes! But what can we do because there's no way we will put the gifts under the tree “naked”? Well we can,

• Again, look for wrapping paper made from the highest percentage of PCW. To be honest, I don’t know how easy it will be to find.


• Use gift bags. They may be easier to find and can be used over and over again.


• Buy rolls of recycled paper and let the kids decorate their own. They will have no problem finding their gifts Christmas morning.


• Place gifts in items that can be reused. Boxes with lids, decorative tins, baskets etc.


• Make the “wrapping” part of the gift. Place items in a purse or scarf.


• Make gift bags from fabric you may have on hand.


• I had an uncle who was an artist of sorts. He gave us gifts wrapped in newspaper and foil. I always thought they were so cool, because they looked so different. Think of using things like newspaper or maps.


• Don’t even consider bows.

In general, try to think outside the box. If you do that, you will at least reduce the amount of paper you use. Keep in mind the focus should be on what’s inside the package, not what it’s wrapped in. And seriously when it comes to kids, they don’t care!

All this being said, I have to make a disclosure. I purchased both my wrapping paper and holiday cards just after Christmas last year; well before I began this blog. None of it is environmentally friendly. If you typically receive a card from me, don’t bother looking for the little recycled symbol because it won’t be there, I checked. But I will keep these ideas in mind for next year or any other time I send cards or gifts and you should too!

Week 32 - GREEN YOUR THANKSGIVING!

If you can believe it Thanksgiving is less than 3 weeks away; 17 days to be exact! We are heading into what is likely the toughest time on our environment for a number of reasons. Tons more trash; increased electricity use; astronomical fuel consumption etc. In the following, I have outlined what we can do to reduce our burden on the environment this holiday season.

Travel

Thanksgiving is the most traveled time of the year (think of all the fuel used just while driving and flying alone), so it would follow that two of the significant changes we could make to help the environment is 1) stay home and 2) don’t invite anyone over. HA! It wouldn’t be the holidays if you weren’t bickering with one relative, giving the silent treatment to another, and walking on eggshells with the rest! Seriously, to preserve this sacred tradition you should travel wisely. To do so:

1. Consider the distance. Do you have family close by you could gather with?
2. Maybe the long trek could become an every other year thing.
3. Spread fuel consumption around. Travel early.
4. Ensure your car is in efficient travel condition. Refer to my post Week 10 - Hittin’ the Road for what you need to do to make your car trip ready.

Decorating

Americans generate tons more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. So think twice before buying yet another new table cloth and seasonal decorations. Are you the kind of person that uses things over and over again? Great! But if you are like me, someone that feels the need to change things up every year, stop and think. Don’t buy, use natural things instead. Not only will you reduce what is sent to the landfill, things from nature can be composted and put to good use in your garden next year. Take a walk with your kids and utilize what you find.

Here are some ideas from care2.com/greenliving (visit their site for a complete list):

• Centerpieces: Pumpkins and other winter squashes, Native American corn, acorns, nuts, grapes, pears, pomegranates, and apples overflowing from a wicker cornucopia or heaped in a wooden bowl look abundant and beautiful in the center of your table.
• Natural napkin rings: Tie napkins with raffia and tuck in a pretty fallen leaf and an acorn, etc.
• Simple arrangements: There is a beautiful Zen simplicity in a perfect branch bearing colored leaves set into an earthen vase. Sometimes that’s all you need for a seasonal and dramatic focal point.
• Pumpkin vase: Hollow out a pumpkin and place a cup inside to hold fresh or dried flowers.
• Grapevine: Gather grapevines and twist them into garlands or wreaths for table, mantelpiece, doorway, or stairs. Add leaves and berries, if you like.

Setting the Table

Here are some dos and don’t for the table:

1. Don’t use disposable anything. There are enough people around (and the dishwasher) that doing the dishes will not be a time consuming chore.
2. If you MUST buy disposable, choose paper products that are biodegradable.
3. If you want something prettier, consider bamboo. Visit greenfeet.com to check out Bambu’s All-Occasion Veneerware bamboo plates which decompose in the compost pile in 4 - 6 months. Cool!
4. If your tablecloths and cloth napkins are in good shape, don’t by new ones.
5. If you have enough china, glassware and silverware, don’t by more.

I know us non-traditionalists feel the urge to create something new by using new things, but there are other ways to change things up without increasing consumption. Just follow the 3 Rs: reduce, reuse and recycle.

• The most obvious way to reduce is to borrow things from, and lend things to friends. Someone else’s tablecloths and china will be new to you and look fresh on your table.
• Shop at thrift or antique stores for tableware to reuse.
• If you must buy something new, ensure it is recyclable.

In general, think pilgrim. They made do with very little.

The Menu

This is my favorite since I am always up for a challenge. Treehugger.com has challenged us to have a “100 mile Thanksgiving“. This challenge is based on the book entitled “The 100 Mile Diet” by Canadians Alisa Smith and J.B. MacKinnon, who made the commitment that “for one year, they would buy or gather their food and drink from within 100 miles of their apartment in Vancouver, British Columbia“; that is, food grown locally (see their website 100milediet.org for tons of info and my post from Week 8 - Buying Locally).

It’s an actual contest where you can submit your menu and potentially win a year of free organic milk, but that’s not the part I’m interested in. I just want to see how much I can get from within 100 miles of me; I think there’s a lot! For example, turkey, fruit and pumpkins for pie, the necessary dairy ingredients, potatoes and other root vegetables stored by local growers (each year I dig up my own home grown potatoes for Thanksgiving; this year I have carrots too).

I’m not going to get crazy about it because there are some things I just won’t eliminate from the Thanksgiving table. Cranberries come to mind. According to the American Cranberry Company (Americran.com): Cranberries are grown in the United States and more recently, in South America. In the United States almost all cranberries are grown in Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Washington and Oregon. In South America, Chile is becoming a primary cranberry producer. I’m in Pennsylvania. I may not be able to get cranberries from within 100 miles of me, but I would want NJ or Massachusetts cranberries as opposed to mid- or west coast cranberries and Chilean cranberries are just out of the question.

One more thing to keep in mind is buy organic where possible, but if you have to choose, buying local is better for then environment.

The Bird

The piece-de-resistance, the star of the show, what can we do about the bird?

1. Loose it! Yes, all meat and go vegan! If you can do it great, if not read on.
2. Consider a “heritage” turkey. From The American Livestock Breeders Conservancy (albc-usa.org): “There is a movement to reintroduce different varieties of turkeys back to the public” (this is the same concept as the heirlooms seeds I discussed in Week 7 - Variety is the Spice of Life). “Heritage turkeys are raised outdoors, freely roam on pasture, and eat the varied diet nature intended them to eat, unlike most turkeys today that are raised indoors in confinement and are fed grains, fillers and supplements like antibiotics. Whereas conventional supermarket turkeys can be tasteless and dry, heritage birds raised outdoors are juicy and succulent and taste the way a turkey is supposed to taste (does that mean gamy?). Heritage turkeys cost more money, but consumers rave about the great taste and say once you buy one, you can't go back to the tasteless white turkeys found in most supermarkets. The one drawback to buying a heritage bird is that in many cases you must order in advance. Many farmers only grow enough turkeys to cover the demand, so most consumers order their birds months in advance.
3. If you aren't ready yet to buy a heritage turkey, or can't find one, your other option is to buy an organic and/or sustainable bird. An organic turkey is certified by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and must be raised under strict guidelines – no antibiotics, no growth enhancers, only organic feed, and the animals must be given access to outdoors. The animals can be a heritage breed, or the more common Broad breasted White.
4. To find a heritage, organic or sustainable turkey, albc-usa.org, heritagefoodsusa.com, or slowfoodusa.org.

What Next?

Since every one will be in a tryptophan induced haze, this would be the perfect time to discuss Christmas. Why not propose the idea that instead of the adults exchanging gifts, everyone could contribute the money they would spend to a charity. You can decide as a family what charity to donate to, or you can have each person write down their favorite charity and draw from a hat. Make it a tradition and choose a different charity each year.

Right there you will have one more thing to be thankful for, as you will have one less thing to do this Christmas. Oh and again, the warm, fuzzy feeling you’ll have from knowing you are helping others is nice too!

I have covered a lot here! Don’t feel overwhelmed! Remember it’s not about perfection; it’s about doing what we can, where we can! I will let you know how well I do on the 100 mile challenge, and I hope you’ll consider doing it too!