The terms ‘Eco-Friendly’ and ‘Green’ have become more than just buzz words. They are decision makers in everything from the cars we buy, the products we use, and the activities we participate in. So if your hoping for an eco-friendly holiday there are a few things to keep in mind.
The first thing to bear in mind when going ‘Green’ is to know how you are going to use the item you are thinking of purchasing. Being green is more than just using organic products. It’s also about reusing the things you have or get each season. Take the holiday tree. Some would have you believe that the only truly ‘Green’ tree is a fresh tree. Unfortunately that is not the case. A fresh tree can only be used for a few weeks before it has to be either replanted or mulched. This takes energy and the tree itself takes a lot of water to keep it alive. An artificial tree requires no water and can be packed away and reused for several years which not only make it more cost efficient, but ‘eco-friendly’ as well.
The second thing to consider is the impact each item will have on the environment. If you’ve decided on a fresh tree there are two options, a cut tree or a potted tree. The majority of holiday trees sold in the US are cut trees. Both kinds of holiday trees require a lot of water and care, but more so they require fore-thought into how you plan to dispose of the tree once it has completed its decorative task. For cut trees this mean mulching them up or cutting them into fire wood. For a potted tree it means carting it to a special location, perhaps in your backyard, and replanting it. Though a potted tree is the greener of the two fresh tree options, it is also the hardest to find and most expensive. For those of us who are unfortunately allergic to such trees, neither is a workable option.
Artificial trees can be made in one of two ways. They can be made by melting new plastics and forming them around a steel infrastructure, or through recycled plastics and formed around a recycled steel infrastructure. You might be shocked to know, but most artificial trees on the market these days are made from up to 20% recycled materials and are less expensive than those made with only new materials. Artificial trees can last for a good many years; most over 10 years if stored and cared for properly. They require no water, no pruning, and very little effort to set-up and take down. They also require very little energy from year to year. If you consider the fuel costs alone between a real tree and an artificial you will see that over the long run it takes more fuel to have a fresh tree each year than one artificial tree. An Artificial trees footprint consists of the manufacturing process and the single trip to and from the store to purchase the artificial tree. The real tree has the saw it took to cut it down (as most Americans use cut trees over potted ones.) plus the fuel every year to pick up the tree, along with the fuel to take it to a recycler and have it broken down. (The boy scouts are a good resource for this!)
There is a third point to consider and that is lighting. Candles are the traditional lights and are still used in Europe; however they are dangerous especially on a real tree. Artificial lights these days are made with halogen bulbs and are far more energy efficient that even a candle. But if you want to take one more step toward a truly eco-friendly holiday, forgo the lights and use glass or metallic ornaments that reflect the lights in the room. Your tree won’t necessarily light up the dark, but with a nice fire in the hearth, it will be as festive as ever!
Whatever you choose to do this holiday season, be it ‘green’ or traditional, do it safely.
Best Wishes,
Kristi
The holidays are a time to reconnect with friends and family and decompress from our hectic work schedules. However, they can also be filled with stress, anxiety and fear. Did the holiday cards get put in the mail on time, will the packages arrive, what decorations will we put on the tree, where to put the tree, who’s house are we having dinner at on which days…The list is endless and if the house in question is your own, that just adds to the pressure. So much for the time off from your stressful job!
But it doesn’t have to be as bad as all that. If you’re organized and willing to ask for help, the holidays can be as relaxing as day at the spa (or the golf course). If you want a low stress holiday do yourself a favor and start planning now. The more you plan, the more you know in advance, the easier it is to be prepared when it’s time for the events. Here is a simple way to get everything straight and feel in control no matter how full your holiday schedule.
1. Write the activities on a calendar. If you know what you have to do and when you have time to do it, its easier to see that things get done.
2. Write a list of things you will need for each activity. Again, the more you know, the easier it is to accomplish. Writing out a list of groceries you’ll need for a special dinner, or who gets what gift will not only keep you on budget, but gives you a sense of accomplishment once the task is done. There will be no doubts at the end that you missed someone or something.
Make grocery list, gift lists, decoration plans, transportation schedules and more. If it needs to get done over the holiday, write it down.
3. Ask for help! This is a crucial step in relieving the stress and anxiety of the holidays. The more you ask for help, the easier things become and the more time you will have to enjoy the holiday. Whether you ask a professional, a neighbor, a friend, or your family it’s one less project you have to complete yourself.
Spending a little time now in order to relax and enjoy the holidays isn’t a lot to ask. Especially when you know the sense of relief you will feel when everything falls into place with little effort. Your friends and family will be impressed, you will be relaxed and the holiday will be a bright memory for years to come.
For more information on reducing holiday stress visit: http://lifestyle.msn.com/relationships/articletkt.aspx?cp-documentid=8319235
Happy Holidays!
Kristi
Winter is a wonderful time for both children and adults. But it has its dangers. We hope you will take a moment to review some safety tips so you can have fun all winter long.
1. Dress in layers! Wearing appropriate clothes can help with more than just avoiding frost bite. Layers of clothes make it possible to keep dry longer, avoid injuries, and stay warm no matter what the weather does. If you’re planning to spend a prolonged amount of time outdoors this season, take into consideration the weather reports and dress appropriately.
2. Always have a companion! Whether you’re in the back yard building a snow fort or skiing down a mountain, it is always a good idea to have at least one companion. Not only to share your experience, but also to ensure there is someone to go for help if its needed.
3. Avoid Playing on ice! Unless you’re at an ice rink or other location with tons of supervision, ice is extremely dangerous. Ice melts and refreezes throughout the winter months depending on more than the air temperature outside. Unless you are absolutely sure how think and strong the ice is and that there are many adults around to supervise, it is best to stay off the ice!
4. Wear Protective Gear! If you’re planning to go snowmobiling or skiing, it is a good idea to always wear appropriate protective gear and tuck in scarves. Wearing a helmet will save you more than a headache if you happen to fall. If your learning to ski or snowboard, consider padded long underwear!
5. Stick to the Trails! Stay on groomed paths or trails. Always be aware of the dangers of avalanches. Snow can be as unsteady as mud depending on the weather patterns on and before it falls. If you see a trail closed sign, stay off the trail. Snow is a blanket that can hide dangers, including small ponds and lakes that may not have think enough ice to hold your weight. Covered in snow, one would never know such dangers were underneath, until it’s too late.
Snow is a lot of fun and is enjoyed by many people. It is also highly reflective and can be dangerous. Wear sunscreen, watch out for others, and stay safe this season so everyone can have fun! A little planning and the right gear can make every outing safe and enjoyable this holiday season!
Warm Wishes,
Kristi
