Home » Canada Articles » I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas - Place something priceless under the tree this year: the gift of love - for our planet.
I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas - Place something priceless under the tree this year: the gift of love - for our planet.
DIY expert gives tips on reducing your carbon footprint with eco-friendly gifts this holiday season.
COQUITLAM, BC, CANADA, December 03, 2010 /Canada PR News/ -- Why is it that Christmas seems to bring out the worst in us? As a rule, we are exemplary stewards of our planet - pre-cycling, recycling, and upcycling; then we abruptly transmute into consumer-aholics during the holiday season. Consider subverting overconsumption this Christmas by bestowing handcrafted gifts and wrap made with recycled, repurposed or reclaimed materials. With some basic tools, a sewing machine or a well-buttered cookie sheet, you can create unique presents without compromising the holiday spirit . A little effort and imagination can reduce our environmental impact this holiday season and pave the way to a greener 2011. Check out these inexpensive eco-friendly options:
VIP's (vouchers for important people)
Print up a booklet of coupons that can be redeemed for time and services. Be creative and include significant bequeaths such as: Four hours of peace and quiet, Control of the TV remote for a day, A promise to be on time for a week, Clean doggy-doo in the yard for a month.
Ho-Ho-Homemade
Arrange an afternoon or weekend with friends, family, or the kids to craft handmade gifts. Recruit materials gathering dust in your cupboards - gently used clothing, sheets, or towels are inexpensive sources of fabric for sewn projects. Think outside the box by using your blue-bag of recyclables or leftover building materials as a source of supplies for various craft undertakings. From home decor elements, to Christmas ornaments, to outdoor embellishments - a handcrafted gift is gift-giving at its best.
Thrift Gift
Re-gifting gives new lives to gently used objects. Repurpose a book you have read and gift it to someone who shares your taste in literature. Revamp that old chair in the basement with a coat of paint and fresh upholstery for the niece that has just moved into her first apartment.
Season's Greenings
Cookies and chocolates, jams and jellies, nuts and nibblies all add up to happy, smiley faces. Jazz up your gourmet goodies with creative packaging by reusing tins, boxes or bags and embellishing them with kitchen accoutrements or favorite recipes. Assemble seed and feed jars for bird enthusiasts or bake up a batch of yappetizers for pet owners. Stir up some spicy mulled wine parceled in recycled, personalized crates or whip up a cluster of honey lolly-pops for tea toddlers and present in monogrammed tea towels.
Don't undo your labours by finishing your gift in traditional wrap. Waste stream volume increases by 25 percent during the festive season, much of which is recyclable packaging and wrapping paper. Here are five upcycled alternatives:
Material World
Sew cloth bags from fabric scraps or gently used apparel to present presents. These totes can later play double-duty as reusable shopping bags. Wrap gifts with functional items such as scarves, wraps or tea towels. Simply place gift in center of fabric, then gather the four corners and tie securely.
Bł: Bottles, Bags and Bubble pack
Create transparent labels from plastic drinking bottles. Remove top and bottom of bottle and slit remainder of bottle in half. Cut desired shape for label and bore with hole puncher for attachment. Fashion ornate bows from bottle bottoms by shaping with scissors and gently heating edges with a candle or heat gun in a well ventilated area. The plastic will melt into organic silhouettes - perfect for embellishing gifts. Craft bows from shredded shopping bags using the pom-pom technique or use bubble pack to wrap gifts or create gift bags.
Sew MAGnificent
You've been saving all those magazines because you just don't have the heart to toss them out. Repurpose them into glossy upscale wrapping paper by machine basting pages to create a large sheet. Use bits of tape on back of seams to secure sections while basting. If sewing isn't your thing, adhere pages together with double-sided tape.
Shredded Evidence
Shredded newsprint, envelopes, bills or flyers can be used in baskets as filler or cushion for delicate gifts while shipping. Use wider strips of paper to create bows or as an added trim on simply wrapped gifts.
The Tie that Binds
Replace traditional ribbon with reusable ties. Electrical cords, bungee cords, and jump ropes blend form and function while creating unique strapping. Rubber bands or packing string are whimsical alternatives.
To book an interview contact
Rachel Sentes/Publicist
Rachel@gal-fridaypublicity.com
604-366-7846
I am a publicist, freelance writer, and fiction literary agent. I provide free publicity to non-profit and rescue associations. I am partnered with Brian Wood a non-fiction literary agent in Vancouver.
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