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9 Ways To Go Green For The Holidays

Green life hacks on decorating, wrapping, and gifts.

cheyennedood

Dec 20, 2018

University of West Georgia

pexels.com

The planet's natural resources are depleting and yet we spend more money on things that we don't really have. The holidays shouldn't stop you from enjoying a shopping spree for yourself and your loved ones. However, some gifts and helpful wrapping tips will ensure you can still have an awesome holiday and help the planet in the process

1. Ditch the wrapping paper

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You can skip the wrapping paper. Not only is it a pain to work with, it's admired very briefly. Wrapping paper is torn apart and is useless. However, if you do decide to use it, seriously consider recycling it. Instead of wrapping paper, use a gift bag. Gift bags are reusable, so come next year not only will you not have to provide the gift wrapping it'll also reduce the need for other materials.

2. Shopping bags can go farther than shopping

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If you're having trouble finding a large bag for a large gift, use a reusable shopping bag. These are a dollar at Wal - Mart, and it'll double up the gift.

3. Reusable Water Bottle

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A stainless steel water bottle is a great green gift for the holiday. You can pick one of these up at any major grocery store or department store. No more plastic water bottles! Every time a steel water bottle is filled, that is one less plastic one floating in the ocean.

4. Recycled Backpack

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It's not as bad as it sounds! Rareform backpack, which is made from recycled billboards. These are completely water resistant and get incredible reviews on their website. REI.com is where you can purchase one. These start at $63, but from what I have read, it is worth every penny.

5. Recycled Washcloths

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Again, don't jump to conclusions. These aren't actually washcloths that other people have used. They are a pack of washcloths made completely from bamboo. Like it says in the name, Bamboo is the company. I found them on Amazon for $13.50. Again, wonderful reviews stating these are soft and durable. Who doesn't need more?

6. A gift that anyone will appreciate

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I know growing up and getting socks as a gift was such a boring gift. As I've gotten older, I have seriously appreciated it so much more. I got a pair of these earlier this year as a birthday gift and stand by them. Eartheasy.com has an abundance of earth-friendly items, but these socks outshine their inventory. Cosmos recycled socks for only $16.95. I have had these for months now and they're still soft!

7. We all love them

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The gift that as we get older we love more and more: candles. A pure beeswax candle. Now, I've seen a couple of different companies sell these. However, again with eartheasy.com, theirs smells the best and burns the longest. Plus, all the materials are all natural and chemical free.

8. Buy a fake

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A fake tree! Another helpful hint is skipping the real tree. Every year thousands of trees are cut down to serve as a tree that will be tossed weeks later. Instead, buy a reusable one and treat it well. I've had the same tree for nearly a decade. It was a hand me down, and it'll continue to be one so long as I continue to take care of it. Remember, less of a demand for something, the less we use.

9. Limit your light use

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When you do decorate your tree, use energy saving Christmas lights. Yes, these exist. They not only save energy for the planet, it saves money on your power bill. It also helps to purchase a timer for your lights, which are around twenty dollars at the store.

Happy Holidays! And remember, being festive doesn't have to be excessive.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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9 Ways To Go Green For The Holidays

Green life hacks on decorating, wrapping, and gifts.

1. Ditch the wrapping paper

2. Shopping bags can go farther than shopping

3. Reusable Water Bottle

4. Recycled Backpack

5. Recycled Washcloths

6. A gift that anyone will appreciate

7. We all love them

8. Buy a fake

9. Limit your light use

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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