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Holiday Decorating
2010-00-28 


Decking the halls is fun and festive but it will put a strain on the environment if it’s not done with care.  This year you can decorate the eco-friendly way, save money, keep Long
Island greener, while still capturing all the magic of the season.

Good:
Lower your paper consumption, waste and expenses on holiday cards by using recycled varieties, or going the digital
route with an e-card greeting. With 
personal photos and messages, they can be just as special as the pre-printed kind.

Better:
For trees, wreathes and centerpieces, live plants are a friendlier option because petroleum is used to make the artificial ones.  After Christmas, live trees can also be replanted, or dried, chipped and reused in
flower beds.

Best:
When stringing Chanukah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa lights, follow current advice for indoor lighting and be sure they are wired with energy-efficient LED bulbs.  LIPA recommends using a timer on indoor and outdoor lights, ensuring they run no more than six hours a day, which reduces energy consumption and keep costs down.

Compare product options in eco-friendly holiday cards at
www.greatgreengoods and www.vistaprint.com

Have questions about recycling your Christmas tree?
Earth911 has the answers.
Check out www.earth911.com/christmas-trees/facts-about-treecycling.

Buy ornaments made from recycled materials. For ideas visit: www.greatgreengoods.com/recycled-holiday-ornaments.

One Simple Thing:
After the holidays, take the favorites among the greeting cards you receive this year,
cut them down the center crease. Toss
the signed half and save the covers to make and send holiday postcards next year.



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