Environmental Defence has provided a few suggestions to keep the "green" in Christmas!
(1) Make sure your artificial tree is free of lead and PVC (polyvinyl chloride.) Older trees are often culprits. In California, trees carry warning labels for this. If you use a real tree, ask if the tree is grown without pesticides.
(2) Lights can also contain lead and PVC's (polyvinylchlorides). Purchase lights that are RoHS compliant (Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances.) This designation originated in Europe, and bans 6 toxic chemicals often found in electronics: lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyls, & polybrominated diphyl ether.
(3) You can buy LED lights with the RoHS designation. They will use less energy and thus are better for the environment.
(4) Scent your home naturally, using evergreen branches, cinnamon sticks and essential oils. Scented candles usually contain phthalates, a toxic ten ingredient linked to asthma and endocrine disruption. Holiday baking also fills the house with lovely fragrances!
(5) Printed, colored and foil paper can also contain nasty chemicals which are released into the air if burned. Do not burn used wrapping paper! Recyle or reuse. Better yet, make your own wrap by getting creative and doing some recycling of your own. Or, use cloth bags that can be re-used year after year.
(6) The best gifts aren't things at all. Consider purchasing experiences, going for free activities, like a walk in the woods, snowshoeing, skating or building a snowman. Consider the joy in just spending time with loved ones. Or, make charitable donations.
Merry Christmas from eScential Wellness
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