Reduce Waste This Christmas

- Christmas is responsible for more waste and consumption than any other holiday. North American's trash increases by 25% over Christmas - which equates to 25 million extra tons of garbage going to the landfill. By recognizing the incredible waste that is generated the urgency to do something becomes apparent. A truly useful or environment friendly gift is a better ecological choice. Here is a brief list of ideas to inspire you.

- For the homeowner - thermostat control that automatically turns the heat down at night. A low flow shower head attachment. A draft cozy (placed in front of doors to prevent drafts) and tubes of caulking or weather stripping. Dimmer switches or compact fluorescent bulbs. Hot water tank and hot water pipe insulation kits.

- For the gardener - subscription to an organic gardening magazine or a membership to a seed organization. Bird, bat and butterfly houses, baths and feeders ? or the patterns to build them. A composting worm bin or a membership with an environmental group.

- Tickets to a performance, restaurant gift certificates or services such as lawn care, diaper, cleaning, music lessons, exercise or dance classes, tune-up or tire rotation services ? all support local business.

- Dehydrated, canned or preserved foods make excellent gifts. Frozen dishes are treasured by those that find cooking tasks cumbersome.

- Brazil or cashew nuts as they promote a living tropical rainforest.

- Books (i.e. Trash Talk).

- A reusable coffee filter and whole organic coffee beans.

- If you choose to purchase electronics, consider those powered by solar or rechargeable batteries.

- For holiday photo memories using a digital camera and getting pictures put on CD's reduces chemicals, paper and cost. Choosing 36 exposure film rolls reduces packaging and waste.

- Consider a live tree. At the end of the season, donate it to individuals, the city, schools or parks. Plant it in your own yard for privacy, shade or erosion control.

-- Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept of their new book Trash Talk, a guide that offers useful solutions to reduce waste and better manage resources. http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit

---

9 Fantastic Formulas for a Stress Free Holiday!

The holidays are officially here. And so the season for... Read More

How to Make Your Own Printable Invitations for Any Occasion

Even with modern technology like email and cell phones, printed... Read More

The History of Teddy Bears

Teddy bears have been around since 1902. The teddy bear... Read More

Terrible at choosing gifts?

Need help with gifts? Not everyone is good at choosing... Read More

Keepsake Christmas Album

Do you hate throwing your Christmas cards away every year... Read More

A Dash of Cinnamon, A Pinch of the Past, A Smidgen of the Future

Close your eyes and remember December, the smell of cinnamon... Read More

10 Stress Free Tips to Pamper Mom This Mothers Day

Mothers Day is the day we set aside each year... Read More

Colored Contacts For Halloween - Make Sure YOU Dont Go Bump In The Night!

Ok, the end of October is approaching, and you desperately... Read More

Mothers Day: 5 Gift Ideas Guaranteed To Make Any New Mom Happy

Sure, you can call it a Hallmark holiday. But don't... Read More

Seven Great Holiday Decorating Tips--Without Breaking the Bank

If you're looking for great ways to decorate your home... Read More

Cornucopia Centerpiece for Thanksgiving Day

As we enter into the month of November my thoughts... Read More

You Better Not Lie, I?m Telling You Why

Santa Claus Is ComingHoliday season brings the perennial return of... Read More

A Medieval Story for Valentines Day, Bonne & Charles

The general word on the Internet is the first Valentine... Read More

5 Ways to Having the Happiest Valentines Day Ever (even if youre alone)

The thought of Valentine's Day conjures up romantic evenings, a... Read More

Planning a Gift Closet

Creating a gift closet is a wonderful way to plan... Read More

7 Tips For Defusing Holiday Stress

KNOW THYSELFThe first key to creating a peaceful holiday season... Read More

Lost and Found (A Valentines Day Story)

I casually glanced down at my hand, but instead of... Read More

An Easy Gift For Many Occasions

It can be very hard to find that one perfect... Read More

Mothers Day Shopping Ideas

Do you know a Mom who needs to be thanked... Read More

Valentine?s Day Ideas for Singles

Maybe your significant other is overseas in the military. Maybe... Read More

The Only Way to Turn New Year Resolutions Into Reality!

So you ate, drank and spent too much over the... Read More

10 Ways to Keep Your Expectations From Making You Crazy This Christmas

Christmas is a wonderful time! Everyone is full of good... Read More

Surviving Those Holiday Blues

Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with... Read More

Eggs-travagant Eggs

Wonderfully simple to do and oh so impressive!You don't need... Read More

Holiday Times Are For Helping Those Less Fortunate, Think Holiday Cards

Every year I watch as advertisers begin to promote their... Read More

The Origins Of Mothers Day

Today Mother's Day or Mothering Sunday is celebrated all over... Read More

Stress-Free Party Planning

It's a fact; most of us feel immediately stressed and... Read More

Gift Wrapping Ideas

If you're tired of your gifts looking like everyone else's,... Read More

5 Tips to Reduce Holiday Depression

As the holidays approach each year, more and more people... Read More

Some Valuable Steps On Applying Clown Makeup! Seriously, Were Not Clowning Around Here

Who doesn't love being a clown? It's a great costume... Read More

Christmas Gift Ideas

Christmas is such a special day. It is a day... Read More

The Only New Year?s Resolution You Need

I am going to make a bold statement. I think... Read More

Birthday Gift Guide

A birthday gift is the opportunity to show your loved... Read More