Christmas is a huge electricity user. But thankfully thanks to the popularization of “going green” their are “greener” alternatives that can help save you this year.

• LED Christmas lights can be your best friend. They’re not only a good “green” option because it saves on energy, but it will help save you money! You don’t have to worry about being limited by one style either, their are many different styles of LED lights so you can choose something you will like for sure. I found some information about LED Christmas lights at wiseGeek if you’d like to read more about them
• Go fake with your Christmas tree. Yes, I know it is nice to have a real tree in the house, but cutting down a tree just so you can have a month of green really isn’t worth it. Getting a good quality Christmas tree can still give you that feel of having a real tree year after year. Or if you must absolutely have a real tree, get a potted one so you can plant it later. That’s a great way to get what you want, and still give back to the planet.
• Give green gifts! Recycling is good, but so is purchasing items that were recycled. If you have the option, buy someone the recycled version of something over something that is not. That way you’re still supporting your earth and giving the gift that you wanted to anyway.
• Recycle the left over paper, any plastics that you can, and recycle any cans that you can. You should recycle year round, but take extra care this holiday season that you are recycling everything you can.
• Give the gift that doesn’t use batteries, if possible. Obviously you can’t eliminate batteries from everything, but try to limit those electronic gifts to more earth friendly things.

I also have a 2 other tips that are good year round. Not just during Christmas. My first one would have to be: Recycle the plastic bags you bring your groceries home in. If you shop as much as my family does, using a reusable bag at walmart is not all that feasible. That doesn’t mean you need to throw away the plastic bags your groceries came in. Ask as the courtesy counter if you have to but every walmart has a plastic bag recycle box where you can bring all your plastic bags. They will be recycled. That way you’re still doing your part to make sure they don’t end up in a dump somewhere. My other tip for you is this: Get a flash light that does not use batteries. Their are battery free flash lights out there that all you have to shake it and it works. Because they don’t use batteries means that they’re very earth friendly.

If at all possible, I hope everyone manages to have a good holiday season that is also earth friendly.