BEFORE YOU SHOP-Think Green this Holiday Season

UPDATED NOV. 2022

With Halloween behind us, holiday preparations are underway, particularly in Vermont, where anything that breaks up the gray and chill of “stick season” is a welcome relief. Many put trees up Thanksgiving weekend, for others it’s the last family gathering before people head south. In short, while this may seem like an unusual post for the beginning of November, it provides ample time for you to consider implementing some of the suggestions listed below.

As you plan your holiday, consider what can be recycled and repurposed post-holiday, as well as giving gifts that are meaningful, sustainable and affordable.  As always, when possible, shop locally.

To the question of Is it better to shop on-line or in-person? The worst option is driving to a store, checking out the product, then ordering it on-line with fast shipping. Check out the Sierra Club’s response to that question.

GIFTS: Now’s the time to think about simplifying the “Gift-Go-Round:” Among family members, or friends, draw names so you only purchase for one adult. While some gifts must be purchased brand new, others can be gently used, obtained from thrifts stores, such as Black River Good Neighbor, Chester-Andover Family Center, and SVECA’s Good Buy Store . Focus on sustainable giving.

• Before purchasing an item, ask yourself the following questions: Can I afford this? Will they use it and how often? Is it something that it is reflective of them and their tastes and interests? Are their allergies or health concerns to consider? Is it something they need or want?

• Consider ways to do sustainable giving.

-       For children, donating to a college fund, and picking up a gently used toy for “something under the tree.”

-       Gift certificates for experiences such as a massage (The Castle’s Aveda Spa or DG Body Works ); a class at Fletcher Farm School; a class at DG BodyWorks; a haircut at the Village Clipper; choice food items from Singletons or dinner at an area eatery (Murdock’s or Outer Limits Brewery).

-       Give your time such as teaching grandad how to use the Internet or Smart Food; lawn care; cooking; a booklet with redeemable coupons for services, such as child care, window washing

-       Antiques and collectibles: These don’t have to be new. It could be something you already have or something you find at a flea market or thrift store

-       Gifts from nature: Be it a selection of beach class, or a piece of Chaga from a birch tree, there

-       Gifts from the kitchen, particularly savory items during this very “sweet time” are often welcomed. Check out “How to Pickle Anything (No Canning Necessary)” for a wide variety of pickled veggies.

-       Forced bulbs (paper whites narcissus, amaryllis and hyacinth) can be blooming or  set up to bloom in January. It’s the perfect gift for the flower lover. Learn more at How to Force Bulbs Indoors.

-       Look for gifts made of recycled materials and that are battery free.

-       Re gifting is fine. Think of it as finding it’s rightful home. 

-       Donations to local charities

THINK RECYCLABLE

• Real Christmas trees. A live potted tree can be used for years and planted outside when it becomes too large. They are also recyclable at the Cavendish Transfer Station

• Plain wrapping paper (a little tape is okay) along with plain cards and cardboard boxes can be recycled at the Transfer Station. Consider alternative wrapping methods such as newspapers, cloth gift bags etc. More and more sheets and pillow cases are packaged in fabric bags that are perfect for gift giving. Check out Gift Wrapping Alternatives.

• AVOID Anything with metallic, glitter or velvety flocking, Styrofoam, as well as bows, ribbons and anything stringy is a single use item. Make more sustainable choices and avoid these type of items.

• Food scraps and leftovers can be composted at the Transfer Station.

• Make “To/From” tags from previous year’s holiday cards.

LOWER THE IMPACT OF HOLIDAY LIGHTING

• Reduce the size of outdoor lighting displays and use mini lights. There are now solar LED strings

• Use LED Lights for house and tree as they use up to 95% less energy than larger traditional holiday bulbs. They also last much longer and if a light burns out, the rest remain on.

• Use a timer so lights are turned off when no one is around

If you find broken lights, they go to the electronics shed along with dead batteries and other electronic devices. Learn more about what can be recycled and what goes where at Recycling Christmas Cavendish Style.