Happy Holidays from your friends at One Change! Here are some simple actions you can take over the holiday season to save money and make your holidays a little greener.
Send an e-card.
In Canada, Canada Post reports that it takes more than 575 daily flights to deliver the over 787 million cards, letters and parcels sent around the holiday season. Approximately 6,000 postal vehicles also help to move the mail across the country each day. The 2.6 billion holiday cards sold each year in the United States could fill a landfill the size of a football field 10 stories high! Consider sending an e-card. There are many free and fun cards available online, including One Change’s holiday eCard you can share, that will not only save you money but also help reduce your environmental footprint over the holidays.
Keep your lights on only for a few hours.
Consider plugging your holiday lights into a timer to have them turn on as it gets dark, but turn off as you head to sleep.
Turn your heat down.
By lowering your thermostat to 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), you will save money and cut energy use. Try putting on a sweater, snuggling up and having some warm cocoa or cider!
Turn down your thermostat before your guests arrive.
As more and more guests arrive, the room is bound to heat up! Try turning down the thermostat a couple of degrees to keep the room comfortable instead of stuffy.
Unplug for the holidays.
Household appliances use electricity even when you are not using them. If you are going on vacation during the holidays remember to unplug televisions, stereos, computers, VCRs, etc. before you leave — as all these devices draw small amounts of electricity even when they are turned off.
Be battery wise.
Families can get through a lot of batteries, particularly at Christmas. Batteries contain toxic chemicals, are not biodegradable and are difficult to recycle. Instead try using rechargeable ones.
Use real dishes for holiday parties.
Paper and Styrofoam dishes may save you some time in the kitchen but they last decades in a landfill. Go with real dishware this season and try to enlist someone you want to spend time with to help you with clean-up!
Give the gift of an experience.
Instead of packaging-laden gifts for friends, why not give a gift certificate for a dinner out or theatre tickets? Or make your own vouchers for things such as a night of free babysitting! Instead of toys for kids, keep kids active with a gift of sporting equipment or a voucher for an outdoor activity. Consider being even greener by giving a homemade gift, recycling a used item as a gift or giving a donation to a charity.
Use homemade decorations.
Consider decorating your tree with edible decorations like popcorn strings or cranberry wreaths. You will save money and can have fun with your family making them!
PDF