Let's have Green Holidays

Last post I talked about some benefits of making your home Greener. With the holidays just around the corner, I'd like to give you some ideas about environmentally friendlier items you might not think of!

Decorations:

Indoor/Outdoor LED light strings. These use 90-95 percent LESS than the old incandescent bulbs, and they also shine longer.

Herbal Wreaths. Available from McFadden Farm (embed), for about $25 you can get an herbal wreath made from fresh organic herbs. Festive and handy!

Gifts:

Stockings made from recycled sweaters, these are one of a kind gifts that you can buy online or if you are sewing savvy, make yourself!

Another DIY idea, recycled light bulbs. All you need are some bulbs that no longer work, some wire, and paint. Fabric paint works well, but you can also use acrylic; just make sure its completely dry! Simply paint the bulb and use the wire to wrap around the base and make a hook or loop, then you can add these as ornaments to your tree!

Continuing on that thread, one thing I have done in the past is take old glass items, like the hurricane glass from atop old kerosene lamps, or really any interesting shaped domed glass, and using a combination of fabric paints and acrylics, painting an image of Santa or a snowman on the glass. (You'll see that the outward curve of the glass helps highlight the rounded tummy of both.) Don't be afraid if you don't believe you are artistically inclined. You don't have to be a Picasso to make a lovely gift or ornament for your own home.

For other great gift ideas, check out uncommongoods they have great items like recycled glass ornaments, recycled cotton scarves, and my favorite, plantable gift tags that are embedded with wildflower and perrennial seeds.

 Bobbie