Green for Christmas

Whether it snows or not this holiday season, more and more Canadians are dreaming of a green Christmas. Green - as in a holiday that is gentler to the environment.

From the food, to the gifts, to travel, the holidays are traditionally a time of excess and waste. Tons of wrapping paper and plastic packaging are destined for the landfill. Twinkling lights draw extra electricity from power plants. Countless tanks of gas will ferry shoppers from mall to mall to find the "perfect" gift, and back again to return them after Boxing Day!

With a little planning and a few simple ideas it is possible to reduce your impact on the natural world and reduce your stress at the same time. Here are a few nature-friendly holiday tips:

Make the Switch

Switching to energy efficient light-emitting diode (LED) decorations is a bright idea and a great way to save money and energy. LEDs use 10% of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs and will last 30 times longer. You'll conserve energy and save yourself the shock of the January electricity bill. Using a timer to limit your light displays to a few hours each evening will keep the mood festive and affordable.

Keep it Real

An artificial tree isn't necessarily the eco-friendly choice. Fake trees are made of petroleum products. They're loaded with contaminants and transported over great distances to get to your home. A real tree from a local tree farm is a better option. While growing, it captures CO2,, produces oxygen and helps clean the air. Once it is cut, the farmer will plant a new tree to replace it. When the holidays are over, you can recycle it.

That's a Wrap

Have fun finding alternatives to glossy wrapping paper:

Look for recycled, post-consumer paper printed with vegetable inks

Wrap one gift inside another (like a scarf)

Sew or buy reusable, fabric gift bags

Use old maps, junk mail, comics

Find creative containers: a watering can for a gardener's gift, a pot for a cook

Give a Gift of Nature

By supporting a charity that protects nature, you can give a meaningful gift to those your love. The Nature Conservancy of Canada, the country's leading conservation organization, offers Gifts of Canadian Nature this holiday season. Starting at just $40, each gift helps protect habitat for some of Canada's most threatened species. It's a gift that gives twice, and in your own backyard.

The gift packages include a full-colour, eco-friendly calendar and can be shipped directly to colleagues, friends and family. Check out the online calendar at www.giftsofnature.ca, then place your order through the website or by phone (1-800-465-8005). This year, avoid the malls and the crowds.

Imagine giving the beauty of Canada's wilderness this holiday season. A Gift of Canadian Nature will never be returned, never gather dust and will help protect a natural legacy for our children and grandchildren. It's an easy way to celebrate a green Christmas with everyone on your list, all year long.