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"  Darlene Feliciano, one of the Good Housekeeping Research Institute&amp;#039;s fall editorial interns, shares 10 tips for going green this holiday season. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 54% of waste is landfilled, so going green this season is the greatest gift you can give to the earth and ultimately to our families and our future. By giving responsibly, being creative, and re-using materials you can reduce the season&amp;#039;s environmental impact. Celebrate the holidays and Mother Nature this year by giving the gift of green with these fun and festive eco-friendly tips. 1. Buy locally made gifts instead of products which have been transported long distances to reduce greenhouse emissions and global warming. 2. Choose gifts made from recycled materials. 3. Buy battery-free gifts, or if necessary, include rechargeable batteries and a charger. 4. Give the gift of charity and ask that loved ones donate to a green cause on your behalf. 5. Select gifts that don&amp;#039;t require much packaging like gift certificates, tickets to a show, potted plants, or homemade treats. 6. Save trees by sending e-cards or make homemade cards by cutting out images from last year&amp;#039;s holiday calendar, wrapping paper, cards, or holiday flyers. 7. Re-use bows, ribbon, and wrapping paper. Avoid non-recyclable metallic paper. Waste reducing wrapping alternatives include newspaper, paper bags, maps, and posters. 8. Make your own decorations, ornaments, and wreaths from items you have at home. 9. Consider renting a tree or purchasing one that can be replanted after the holidays. Live cut trees can be composted and some communities offer free chipping services. Chips can be used for mulch and gardening. Most artificial trees are also recyclable. 10. Reduce the size of outdoor displays and use LED lights for indoor and outdoor lighting. At bedtime turn off displays and save on energy and costs. With these 10 steps, going green for the holidays is easy, fun, and economical. Earth-friendly activities like making holiday cards and replanting a live tree are also opportunities to spend time with family and teach children how to enjoy taking care of their environment. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/institute/a24675/10-steps-green-holiday/>