The holiday season has arrived and it's time to think about what type of giving we will do this year.  My goal this year is to keep it eco-friendly, local or socially productive and to spend extra time with family and friends.  I know I have too much stuff, and I'm pretty sure my friends and family do too.  Below are some ideas for green giving and decorating.   Check out our Holiday Guide for some more specific recommendations! 

If you haven't changed your Christmas lights to LED's then you should consider doing it.  They should last a lifetime and use up to 90% less energy than traditional mini lights for trees.  While most LED lighting is still very expensive LED Christmas lights are competitively prices and worth paying some extra money for.  Also decorate with greenery and wreaths that are compostable and possibly even wreaths and tree garlands that are made of birdseed and berries that our feathered friends can enjoy.  Use candles that are not petroleum based (think soy and beeswax) and consider making tree ornaments.  This is a fun way to spend time with the kids.  My Grandmother used to make amazing tree ornaments from egg shells!

Now for the gifts:

• Before buying "stuff" think about giving gift memberships or donations to a charitable organization that supports the recipient's values. This is the socially productive aspect of giving. You can also give your time volunteering locally. Use your imagination to guide you. What causes are near and dear to your heart, or the recipient's heart?
• Baked goodness: If you give baked goods try to purchase the ingredients from a locally owned store. You may also want to think about where the ingredients are coming from. For example, pecans are a GA crop. Do the pecans you are using come from a local or regional source? You can find fair trade and organic ingredients at Brighter Day. Deliver the goodies in a usable box or container (preferably not petroleum based plastic!) that will be used and not thrown away. Last year I received some cookies in an old metal film canister that I thought was REALLY cool!
• Other Homemade gifts: Consider making gifts such as candles, soaps, hats and scarves, personalized gift baskets etc. There are many online resources for homemade gifts. If you don't have time to make your own then support your local crafters. There are always opportunities around the holidays to buy local crafts.
• Electronics: Make sure any electronics or appliances purchased are energy star rated.
  For the techy types consider purchasing solar chargers for phones, iPods and computers. (I was wishing I had a solar phone charger when I went to a music festival last fall...hint hint kids) Also, don't forget to use rechargeable batteries. We try to have extra sets so when we're using one set of batteries others can be recharging.
• Gifts that are made from repurposed or recycled materials: Artists often repurpose products into art. A friend received a composed bin from her son last year made of a recycled barrel he found locally and recycled wood for the stand. Use your imagination.
• Gifts that help the recipient connect with nature: Think birds, gardening, hiking gear, binoculars and a birding book, surfing or paddling gear. Instead of gear you may want to give a gift certificate to an active outdoor activity.
• Think about the packaging: Amazon has switched its packaging to recyclable containers with no clamshell and unnecessary packaging. It's better to buy locally but when given a choice between a local big box purchase packed in layers of Styrofoam and clamshells I'd choose Amazon.com. You can also find wrapping paper and ribbon made of post consumer or natural products. Consider wrapping in a pretty piece of vintage fabric that can be used or a scarf. Another idea is a gift within a gift. Place a gift inside another gift such as a nice box or tin.

Here's to a wonderful green holiday!  Don't forget to check out the Savannah Green Source holiday guide!