Are you dreaming of a White Christmas? Well for those of us trying to live a healthier and more earth-conscious lifestyle, we’re dreaming of a green Christmas! Anna Getty, along with Healthy Child, Healthy World and the 3 Angels hosted a Twitter party focusing on having a green Christmas (want to learn more about Twitter parties? Read our blog: There’s No Party Like a Twitter Party). Anna’s new book, I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas gives us creative ideas on having a healthier and greener holiday season. During this Twitter party we discussed various ways to make better choices in choosing trees, decorations, gifts and much more. Here’s what we learned:
Anna’s book, I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas emphasizes a “back to basics” approach to the holidays by consuming less and imbuing tradition with more meaning (Healthy Child, Healthy World).
Real Tree vs. Fake Tree: Which is better?
* The best trees are live, organic and local.
* Fake trees are made from PVC in China. (Any time you have anything plastic made in China we are dealing with possible exposure to chemicals.)
* Fake trees are not recyclable.
* Some allergists recommend abstaining from real trees because of asthma allergies, however plastic trees could cause allergies as well.
Greening Your Christmas Tree:
* Purchase and cut your tree from a local tree farm.
* Rent a living tree this Christmas and have a live, potted tree delivered to your doorstep.
* Make a vintage paper tree.
* Remember to recycle your tree after the holidays.
—Many local communities set up tree recycling stations after the holidays, check your local government or community for ideas.
—Or find a tree recycling center at earth911.org.
Holiday Health Hazards:
* Q: Can you guess what harmful heavy metal holiday lights can contain? A: Lead
—Eco-friendly choice: LED Christmas lights. They do not get as hot, have a bluer light and use 90% less energy.
—Mary Cordaro, a green building specialist, lights her tree with candles.
—Keep Christmas lights out of Children’s Reach
* Soy candles are safer candles.
—Or better yet, check out these ideas for non-toxic holiday aromas.
* Did you know that most wrapping paper is not recyclable and can in fact be toxic when burned? (That was shocking to read!)
* For healthier and eco-friendlier toys, skip gifts with a lot of plastic packaging and those that are battery operated.
—Check out Healthy Child, Healthy World’s: Healthy Toy Pocket Shopping Guide
Tips for healthy and fun earth-friendly decorations:
* Create lasting memories with family and make holiday decorations together.
* Reuse your old Christmas cards and decorations.
* Check out Paperless Postcards: a green way to send your Christmas Cards.
* Save your tea bags after they have been used in a cup or on inflamed eyes and make Christmas tea ornaments.
* Make paper chain ornaments with recycled scraps.
* Use natural elements from outside for decor (examples include: pine cones, gourds, pine boughs, etc.).
* Purchase Anna’s new book to learn how to:
—Make salt dough ornaments with your children.
—Make Vintage Chinese Ornaments.
—Make bottle cap refrigerator magnets.
—Re-use old t-shirts and make pot holders.
* Ideas for wrapping paper:
—Use kid’s paintings and have kids decorate newsprint for wrapping paper.
—Use furoshiki for wrapping gifts.
—Check out the Green Plant Parties site for reusable Christmas crackers.
—Unwrap your gift and frame the wrapping.
—Read Anna’s book for more wrapping paper tips.
How can we integrate gift giving and greener practices?
* Anna recommends keeping it simple.
* Focus on family, friends and fun rather than gifts and ritualistic aspects of holidays.
* Regift gifts.
* Draw names and exchange gifts or donate to charity in that person’s name.
* Check out Amazon’s 200 green gifts for kids.
Yummy and healthy holiday recipes:
* Start with foods in season.
* Make what you intend on eating and donate your leftovers.
* Make healthy food exciting by teaching your children how to grow your own.
* Find great recipes in Healthy Child’s Eat Healthy section.
* Some favorite holiday recipes from attendees & hosts:
—Whole grain zucchini bread with warming spices
—Pumpkin pie
—Sugar Pie
—Pumpkin Pecan Ginger scones (Anna)
—Oyster stew (Healthy Child)
Anna is posting green tips on Twitter everyday until Christmas. Be sure to follow Anna on Twitter (@getanna) for these fantastic holiday greening tips and read Healthy Child, Healthy World’s Celebrating the Holidays for more great tips.
Want to join us for a party? Look for the hashtags #ecowed and #healthychild for a variety of parties. Want to go to a party together? Join me on Facebook and Twitter to see where I’ll be. Tweet you there 
!
I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas
Babies 411 – Babies Are Our Business
Babies 411 is an on-line information and resource center for parents. This site has been developed by a neonatal intensive care nurse with the sole purpose of promoting the health, safety, an well-being of all babies.
Author : Diba Tillery RN, BSN, IBCLC, CPST
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