Going Green, Saving Green: Holiday Gifts And Decoration Ideas That Make A Difference

This holiday season, Americans can benefit from protecting
the earth and keeping cost in mind at the same time.  Studies show that a majority of consumers
will shop for “green” products this season and are looking for cost effective
ways to live in balance with the natural world.  

Highlighted below are just a handful of NWF naturalist David Mizejewski’s
last-minute holiday gift ideas:

• "Plant-a-Tree"
  ornaments for your holiday tree. 
  For every ornament purchased for just $15 you will plant a tree in
  the name of your loved one.
• Buy a
  live, potted holiday tree and make it family heirloom or donate it to a
  local school for planting. A single tree can absorb more than one
  ton of CO2.
• LED
  holiday lights uses 10 times less energy than incandescent mini lights,
  100 times less energy than standard bulbs and they are much safer too.
• Digital
  light timers can save big money.  Leaving
  lights on over night can send your energy costs through the roof and
  create unwanted pollution.
• Rechargeable
  batteries save money. About 40% of all battery sales occur during the
  holiday season. Dead batteries can be a problem if not handled properly.
• Give
  or make personalized shopping bags. 
  A little creativity can turn the beige Ho-Hum canvas bag into an
  inexpensive customized work of art to enjoy.
• Magazines
  for Kids.  Promote good reading
  skills by giving the kids in your life a magazine subscription.