Think About the Environment this Holiday Season: Holiday tips from EPA’s Regional Administrator

EPA holiday tips, green holiday tips, LED lights 0 Comments

By Judith Enck

Holiday themed LED lights are a great compromise

When I was a kid, growing up in Greene County New York, my beloved father won contests for the large number of lights that he put on our house. I would note that entire power plants had to run in order to keep the Enck family house illuminated, so I’m now doing my penance with LED lights. There really is no excuse to double your electric bill or blow your budget around the holidays, so here are my tips for a more environmentally friendly season.

Remember to support local businesses whenever possible
Consider a small live indoor tree or plant that can serve as a holiday tree to be decorated year after year.
If you opt for a real tree, be sure to compost it after the season is over.
Decorate with LED lights and colorful reusable ornaments that don’t require electricity such as (reusable) ribbons.
Reuse wrapping paper or use old comics to wrap gifts.
Try not to buy unnecessary consumer products. Give experiences instead like tickets to plays or concerts as a way to spend time together.
Hosting a big event? Remember to stick to reusable plates and glasses to cut down on unnecessary waste.
Plan ahead for meals and parties so you don’t buy more than you need.
More tips here.

Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments section. Best wishes for a wonderful and sustainable holiday season and a very green new year!

This post was originally published to Greening the Apple during the 2011 holiday season.

About the author: Judith Enck is EPA’s Regional Administrator of and a native New Yorker who currently resides in Brooklyn.

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