Health Fitness

Like lots of people, I’m trying hard to be more mindful of the impact my actions are having on the environment. So I’m taking an especially hard look at how I’m going to handle the holidays this year and vow to make as many green choices as I can.

Consider renting or buying a live tree. At least two West Coast companies offer this cool option. You pick out a live tree and it’s delivered with care instructions. In the Los Angeles area, the Living Christmas Tree Company will deliver and pick up a 6- to 7-foot blue cedar (other sizes, prices, and varieties available) for $135. You may not get a picture-perfect shape, but you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing that your tree will live on, doing its thing for our atmosphere. In the Portland, Ore., area, try the Original Living Tree Company. Don’t live on the West Coast? Check with local landscapers who sell live trees; they may be willing to work out a similar deal. If you’re lucky enough to have land, consider buying a live tree and planting it after the holidays—or see if a local botanical garden or park will take your “used” live tree as a donation.

Rethink gift wrap. The obvious solution is to wrap presents creatively, using brown paper bags, newspapers, magazines, or recycled gift bags. But I came across a couple of fun options: MapWraps recycles NYC subway maps and topographical maps and sells them, two sheets for $3. Find them and other neat ideas at forestsaver.com. Even cooler are Bazura Bags, made from recycled juice boxes by a women’s cooperative in the Philippines. They come in various sizes, are easy to tuck other gifts into, and are great on their own as shopping totes, lunch boxes, pencil cases, and more.

Use LED holiday lights. These festive lights have a much longer life span than incandescent lights. What’s more, they use up to 90% less energy, are non-UV emitting, and remain cool to the touch, so they’re safer than traditional lights. Though the up-front cost is higher than traditional holiday lights, they’re cheaper in the long run and better for the planet.

Choose natural menorah candles. Classic paraffin candles are often made from petroleum by-products—a decidedly ungreen choice, especially since they produce toxic soot that pollutes your indoor environment. Instead, buy candles made from natural stuff like beeswax, palm oil, or soy. Or use electric menorahs with LED lights. For more eco-friendly Hanukkah ideas, check out greenyour.com.

For holiday meals, invest in sustainable, humanely grown meats. I say invest because it costs beaucoup bucks more for farmers to raise animals humanely than it does for them to churn out factory-produced animals. That’s why prices of heritage breeds of grass-fed beef and pork and real free-range poultry tend to be higher than supermarket meats. Shop at your natural food store or visit localharvest.org for more information.

Give some ducks or chicks. Or a goat. Or a water buffalo. I’ve given gifts from Heifer International for a few years now. For just $20, you can buy a flock of chicks, ducks, or geese. These go to villagers in countries around the world, who also get training in how to raise the animals. Giving people farm animals helps end hunger, improves nutrition, and enables people to become self-sufficient. A larger donation buys larger animals. Your recipient gets a heartwarming card, and you get a whole lot of satisfaction—and a tax deduction.

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