• Avoid wrapping paper by using reusable decorative tins, baskets, boxes or bags. Or wrap with the newspaper - I prefer the comics section. Purchase (or make) cloth ribbons that can be reused instead of plastic bows.
• Buy LED holiday lights which use 90% less energy than conventional lights. Use a timer to reduce energy consumption.
• Each year over 2.65 billion holiday cards are sold in the United States. Consider sending electronic cards or buy cards with a recycled content. My favorite e-cards are from Jacquie Lawson. Any cards with glossy, shiny or foil coatings are not recyclable.
• When buying gifts, consider durable & reusable items. Support your local merchants and business rather than national chain stores. See information on Buy Local Baltimore here.
  
• For your next trip to the mall, bring your own tote bags to avoid an armload of plastic or paper bags.
• Buy rechargeable batteries to accompany your electronic gifts.
• Use dishes, silverware and cloth napkins for your holiday meals. Despite the extra clean up, these reusable items are more eco-friendly than disposing of plastic utensils and paper products in a landfill.
• To reduce unwanted catalogs during the holiday season or any time, refer to these clear instructions from Environmental Defense. Don't forget to recycle all magazines and catalogs!

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