Holly Green Guru

Let the countdown begin! With only ten days of shopping left before the big day, it’s time to wrap up the gift buying or start if you haven’t already.  Don’t panic though, there’s plenty of time to get everything on your list and still be ready for the big day.  I’ve found some helpful last minute tips that will help you save some green with plenty of time to spare; with an emphasis on “spare.” 

 10. Break Up the Gift Sets.  Gift sets are easy last minute ideas for all of us and you can find sets that takes care of everyone on your list, but why does one person need everything in the set? Whether it’s bath and body products or food items, share the love.  You can individually wrap various items within the set and give to two or three people instead of just one.

 9. Gift with Purchase. This means buy, buy, buy. When retailers are offering you a free gift with a purchase (usually with a minimum purchase), take advantage.  You can use your free gift for someone else on your list. This is a great perk and usually ends up being a very “givable” gift.

 8. Combine Coupons with Clearance Sales.  This year especially, buying anything at full price just shouldn’t happen. Use all those coupons that you have neatly organized in your coupon file and create a strategy to use them on items that are already on sale. This is sure to turn you into an official “green saver.”

 7. Shop outside of the Box. Seek out stores that you might not normally go into.  Specialty shops such as children specific stores, plus size shops, or the boutique stores usually have great accessories and gift items that can be marked down much lower than your average big box department stores.  You’ll save and find unique and creative gifts.

 6. The Dollar store, really? I know what you’re thinking, but honestly it’s not a place to write off just yet.  It is a business to sell liquidation items that you would pay way more for at any other store.  Even if you do just grab some stocking stuffer items, it is definitely worth the trip and of course the savings.

 5.  Free, Free, Free.  Whether its gift wrap or shipping, make sure you get the most bang for your buck.  If they’re offering, graciously accept the complimentary services. It will save you time and money. 

 4. More than just Books.  Local and national chains of bookstores are a great place for “gift” items and like everyone else, their clearance tables are a site to see.  Stationary, board games, movies, music, office gifts and more can usually be found on sale the days leading up to Christmas. 

 3.   Small Card. Big Choices.  The gift that keeps on giving; gift cards.  Most stores are adding special promotions and free items when you purchase gift cards in fear that everyone saw the email warning you not to buy them! Rest assured, although we are in an economic slump, gift cards are still safe.  Use the gift card for your shopping and re-gift the free one you’ll get.

 2. A late Christmas. This suggestions won’t work for everyone, but those of you who don’t live near the family and won’t be making a visit this year, it could be worth your while to shop the after holiday sales and either (A) tell your folks the post office has been really backed up and although you mailed their package with plenty of time, it may be a little late (this is only for the brave). Or (B) you could just send New Year’s gifts instead. That way you save more “green” and chances are the gift recipients will appreciate your creativity. 

 1. A Charitable Contribution.  Even with the current economic state, many Americans are still on track to continue their donation traditions during the holidays.  You can combine your charity contribution and your gift giving by shopping for items that give back to foundations or you can always donate in the name of those on your list. 

“Giving,” simply put is perhaps the most fundamental way to pass something on from one person to another and has undoubtedly become the biggest tradition of the holidays.  For some of us, giving is often much more fun than receiving, which means we spend a lot of time and effort carefully planning out that perfect gift for everyone on our list.  This year I challenge you to find the ultimate gift that combines usefulness and influential creativity.  Without sounding too cliché- focus your energy on the gift that keeps on giving.  Learn what it really means to give green and give it by passing on the importance of our impact on this planet and how we can all work together to make big changes happen, even with little choices.  My green gift guide will offer you many solutions to gift ideas and will also offer you the knowledge you need to be able to get through your gift buying frenzy and know when a product really is green or when its only claiming to be. To start our give green section, I’ve created a small list of key points you should remember all the time when buying green.  For specific gift ideas, visit my section on weekly trends for this seasons greenings!

·        Buy local first.

·        Look for fair-trade symbols on products.

·        Organic and Sustainable items (make sure these are USDA certified, otherwise you may be getting suckered into the green-washing machine!

·        Consider buying movies, books and other educational materials on environmental conservation and global warming.  The 11^th hour is one of my favorites and it’s narrated by green pioneer, Leonardo DiCaprio. Bonus!

·        Is it really necessary to use wrapping paper and an enormous amount of tissue paper for a gift the size of a golf ball? I’m not saying you should get rid of all packaging (by all means, do so if you can), but please cut back and re-use! Open gifts you get early without tearing through the paper and use it on another gift. 

These are 5 simple steps to help you start. Check my gift guide frequently and look for hot new items and trends that are, well, all things green! 

One Day Carbon Free!

Give the gift of carbon neutrality! Log on to the link below and find out how you can give the hottest "green" gift this year.

http://oneday.brighterplanet.com/

 What's one day?

The average American emits 136 pounds of carbon dioxide each day. About 36 pounds come from driving, flying, and other travel. Another 22 pounds come from heating, cooling, and powering our homes. The final 78 pounds come from producing, transporting, and disposing of all the stuff we buy, and from shared services like schools and street lights. 136 pounds would fill 5,000 balloons — imagine releasing that every day.

All information provided by www.oneday.brighterplanet.com

 The thought of “going green” these days can be somewhat daunting and a bit overwhelming for some, so instead of diving full force into the “green scene” I like to take a more reserved approach and “start green.” This way claiming the almighty title of a “Green Fanatic” can come at a no-name calling cost.  “The last thing I want to make you is a “green wannabe,” so stick with the commitment to start green and move forward from there.

This blog entry is intended to give you some ideas on how to “start living green” during the holidays. Whether you’re throwing a party, or decorating your house, there may be a way for you to save some money, energy and reduce your carbon footprint.  Let’s start with some tips for a “greener” way to lively up your home for the holidays:

·        Eliminate the use of paper/plastic dinnerware and utensils. It may mean spending some more time cleaning up afterwards, but think of all the plastic that goes to waste. 

·        Cook your meals with a more organic focus. Substitute the processed chemical boxed foods and refer to sites like http://www.mambosprouts.com/recipes/ or http://www.edenfoods.com/recipes/ for more healthy options that help you put local produce and ingredients to work.

·        Candlelight dinners are also a great way to set the ambience for a nice dinner and you’ll be saving energy at the same time.

·        Send out e-vites instead of mailing invitations to your party guests. You can always recommend that friends/family donate to their favorite environmental charity group as well in lieu of gifts or other dinner donations.

·        Swap out your old Christmas lights for more energy efficient LED lights- they may be a more expensive up front cost, but will save you big time in the future.

·        Decorate your holiday tree with biodegradable or recyclable ornaments. One of my favorite places to get ideas for ornaments can be found at http://www.greatgreengoods.com/recycled-holiday-ornaments/  Not only are they made of recyclable materials, but the site offers you helpful tips on how to make your own, so spending time with your kids and family can be educational and fun. 

So remember you don’t necessarily have to “go green” right away, especially if you aren’t feeling up to par on what it means exactly.  It is important to make some effort though when it comes to conserving energy and living a more conscious lifestyle.  Use these tips for the holidays and you’ll be well on your way…