How well do you take care of your home during the Christmas season? Do you clean it, decorate it, and fill it with beautifully scented things? It’s difficult to avoid sounding clichéd, but Earth is our home too, and this Christmas it needs the same love and attention you you’re your own home.

Eco-friendliness is not a trend; it’s a bona fide movement to correct consumer and living practices that are harmful to the environment. Christmas is one of the most-celebrated holidays in North America. It is a time of giving and receiving, and the physical acts of giving and receiving exacerbate climactic conditions. If you’re willing to do a few small things this Christmas season, you can help to greatly reduce our impact on the environment.

Recycling. There are many nuances to recycling. Putting containers with the little triangles in their respective bins is a start. But many people forget that Christmas wrapping paper is recyclable. Yes! Tons of wrapping paper is used and discarded every year, most making its way to a landfill. Another definition of “recycling” is “re-using”. Instead of buying Christmas candle holders, for example, paint glass jars. Sauce, jam, and honey jars are just the right sizes for votive candles. It’s a great way to exercise creativity and put your spin on Christmas.

Reviving. Before you throw something out, check if it can be repaired. Sometimes that wobbly sideboard just needs some new screws and a fresh coat of paint. (Too bad you can’t say the same thing about Aunt Doris…) If your favorite Christmas sweater looks old because it’s pilling, get a sweater razor, or you can use heavy duty tape to pull off the pills. Re-sole a shoe. All of this reduces waste, which benefits the environment and your wallet. Learning how to repair household items is one of the few Christmas gifts that will last a lifetime.

How to purchase. Buy it online. Christmas sales are found in every store, virtual and brick-and-mortar, so unless it’s a huge electronic thing at an unbeatable price, buy it online. Doing so will save you gas money and lessen your carbon footprint. It will also save you time and energy, as you won’t have to deal with Christmas crowds and the biting cold.

What to purchase. To minimize the spread of harmful chemicals on our planet, consider purchasing recycled and/or organic products. Products can be produced from recycled products; there are soft, luxurious handbags made from recycled rubber, and Christmas wrapping paper made from recycled materials. These materials can be more expensive, so you can either re-allot your Christmas budget or splurge a bit. It does make a difference, because when you give someone a Christmas gift made from a recycled or organic product, you’re sending a message and making them aware that it’s easy – and important – to make more conscientious decisions.

Environmentally friendly practices also help you because they require less of your energy and time. There are so many ways to feel good during Christmas, and putting “recycling” or “driving less” on the top of your list will make everyone feel taken care of.

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