CHRISTMAS is considered by many to be the most wonderful season of the year. As the day draws near, there is increasing anticipation for traditional holiday fare such as pepper-pot, black cake, ham and other goodies. As we go about shopping in preparation for this much anticipated season, let us seize this great opportunity to go Green this Christmas!  There are numerous, simple changes that you can make in how you shop, decorate and celebrate that will have a big positive impact on reducing energy, paper and food waste.
Lights
•    Choose LEDs (light-emitting diodes) instead of incandescent bulbs to decorate. These last much longer and use just about 10 percent of the energy used by conventional mini bulbs. LEDs, which cast a bright white light, also stay cool to the touch.
•    Turn off decorative lights at bedtime.  It is a waste of energy to leave the holiday lights on at night after everyone has gone to bed.
Gifts
When giving gifts be prudent, practical, thoughtful and creative. It is better to purchase gifts that are long-lasting or that can be re-used and later recycled. If an item has several layers of paper and plastic packaging, choose a similar product that leaves less waste. Purchase items made of natural materials such as wood rather than plastic. Better yet, choose items made from recycled materials. Second-hand or antique shops are great places to do holiday shopping. Consider giving gift certificates or tickets for services or special events, rather than purchasing an item that may not be used or needed.
Here are some tips for gift – giving:
•    Look for locally made gifts – many imported gifts come from halfway around the world, and the impact of transportation contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.
•    Choose gifts made from recycled sources – great products have been developed using recycled materials. Supporting these businesses helps reduce waste while promoting the concept of making best use of available materials.
•    Give ‘battery-free’ gifts – Discarded batteries are an environmental hazard. Even rechargeable batteries are eventually thrown away, contributing to waste. Buying such gifts as wooden push toys for children has less impact on the environment.
•    ‘Re-gifting’ is OK – there is much discussion about the etiquette behind the trend to ‘re-gift,’ that is, to give a gift you received but do not need. Unfortunately, everyone receives at least one unwanted gift at Christmas. Therefore, re-gifting makes perfect sense. If you receive something you really do not need, look for ways you can re-use this gift by passing it on to someone who can use it. Hospitals and charities often make good use of donated items to give to patients and the less fortunate. Of course, re-gifting needs to be done with care so as not to offend the original giver, but keeping a gift you do not need is wasteful.
•    Buy recycled wrapping paper and use string, ribbon or wool for wrapping gifts, rather than sticky tape. The string and the paper can then be re-used. Even comics, old calendars or fabric can be used as wrapping. Additionally, gift tags can be made from old greeting cards.
•    Give “green” gifts that do not require wrapping, such as gift certificates or a charitable donation in the recipient’s name.
Decorations
•    Choose decorations which can be re-used, rather than flimsy ones which will only be used once and then thrown away.
•    Save your holiday decorations for re-use next year. Donate decorations to local schools, churches, town offices or non-profit organisations.
•    Use natural ornaments such as pine cones, shells, dried flowers or berries.
Cleaning
•    When the holidays are over and the houseguests are all gone, clean up with safer, less-toxic cleaning products. Most cleansers are loaded with chemicals that can be harmful to your health and pollute the water and air. Switching to non-toxic, all natural products is a simple way to be green and clean.
Food and drink
•    Try to buy food and drink sold in containers made with materials that can be re-used e.g., plastic tubs and glass containers, which are good for storage.
•    Buy drinks, like lemonade or juices, in large containers, rather than in a lot of small ones. One large bottle means less waste than a lot of small cans, and it is more economical.
•    Plan meals wisely and practise portion control. If there are leftovers, place them in plastic containers or bags and send them home with guests or save them for later.
•    SNUB – Say No to Unwanted Bags!” Always use a re-usable shopping bag or re-use plastic bags. Do not accept bags that you do not need.
•    Scrape oil and grease off kitchen utensils and equipment into collection containers. Never pour oil and grease down the drain, and avoid using hot water to wash the grease away from substances.
•    Where possible, compost leftover food scraps from holiday dinners and parties. Remember  to compost fruit and vegetable wastes only, not meat or grease.
Hosting a party
•    If you host a party, set the table with cloth napkins and re-usable dishes, glasses, and silverware rather than those made of disposable plastic, styrofoam or paper at holiday parties.
•    Rent party furnishings rather than buying things you will only use once a year. Also, save and re-use party hats and other decorations.
•    After holiday festivities, put leftovers in recyclable containers, and share them with family, friends, or others. Donate whole, untouched leftovers from parties to the less privileged.
•    Re-use margarine tubs, yogurt containers, coffee cans, milk jugs and similar containers that would otherwise be thrown away to store leftover food. These containers can also be used to store buttons, nails, or other loose items.
Remember that when it comes to protecting our environment, EVERY ACTION COUNTS!!!
You can share ideas and questions by sending your letters to: ‘Our Earth, Our Environment’, C/o EIT Division, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email eit.epaguyana@gmail.com