The Holidays are a time typically steeped in family traditions. Families gather together to get the tree, bake cookies, decorate, buy presents and attend parties. With the economy in shambles (or at least that is what everyone keeps telling us), maybe it’s time to start a simpler life. Maybe it’s also time to evaluate our impact on the earth and start on the path to a greener holiday.

Everyone likes to decorate with lights inside and out, but the electricity to power those lights can be expensive and results in more CO2 emissions from coal fired power plants. Opt for LEDs this season. The strings are more expensive than incandescent; however, they are 90% more efficient to run, meaning you won’t get a shock when you open the electric bill in January. The life of an LED is substantially longer than an incandescent bulb, which will save you money on replacements. Lastly, they are safer to operate since they remain cool.

When purchasing gifts of clothing, buy items made from high quality material which will stand the test of time, or at least more than a few washings. Try to buy natural materials like cottons, linens and wools. If you can find and afford the organic versions, buy those products instead. Many companies sell organic clothing and can be found on line through search engines.

Do you have someone on your gift list that has everything? Check out local artists and crafters to find unique gifts. The Kentucky Haus in Newport carries Bybee Pottery, Berea College Crafts, and many more items. Also in Newport, Seventh Street Gifts carries handmade soaps and lotions, in addition to wares from local artists. At Indigenous, located in O'Bryonville, you can purchase a myriad of art, sculpture, stained glass, jewelry, ornaments, etc., although not all the artists are from the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky area.

To wrap those presents look for paper wrapping paper and bags and avoid the foil and cellophane products. After the gifts have been opened, save the bags for reuse and recycle the wrapping paper. Instead of trying to cram that wrapping paper into your recycling bin, take it to an ABITIBI paper retriever. These green and yellow dumpsters are located throughout the county at schools, libraries, and churches. These organizations make money each time the dumpster is emptied, benefiting the community and eliminating unnecessary waste from going to the landfill.

Don’t overlook recycling those cardboard boxes that hold all the big presents. Cut them to 3’ x 3’ size and place them in or beside your recycling bins. If you don’t have curbside recycling, take them to the nearest recycling drop off point along with your other recyclable items. One ton of recycled box paper saves 17 trees, uses 4100 KW hours less electricity and 7000 gallons less water, and saves 3 cubic yards of land fill space. So take the time to recycle those boxes; it’s worth it!

Are you looking for the optimal green holiday where no boxes or wrapping paper is involved? Give the gift of giving. Take the family out to dinner, followed by a play or movie. For tree lovers, donate tree plantings through the Kentucky Nature Conservancy. A donation of food or money to a local food pantry or other charity is a great way to honor a gift recipient.

During the holidays, start a new tradition of a simpler, more meaningful Christmas, both for you and the planet. Cut back on your energy use, support your local community by buying local products, and eliminate unnecessary landfill waste by recycling all your wrapping paper and cardboard boxes. Make this a season to remember for you and your family, and begin a tradition to respect and care for the earth.