Retailers are gearing up … boxes of decorations are being dug out of storage … Old Saint Nick will soon be making his rounds. Christmas is fast-approaching and, instead of a traditional white Christmas, I’d like to suggest celebrating a more “green” holiday season instead.
You can begin by choosing more environmentally-friendly gifts for your own children. Your youngsters will still be excited to tear open presents under the tree on Christmas morning and can learn a few things about global warming. Here are just a few ideas:
A Solar Car Assembly Kit (from Tamila America Inc.) – Featuring a large solar panel to attract power from the sun, this toy car will scoot along when other car’s batteries need to be replaced or recharged. Affordably-priced from $33.00, this car provides both enjoyment and value.
The Elenco Solar Deluxe Educational Kit (from Elenco Electronics Inc.) – If there is one thing kids love to do, it’s to create. With this product, your children participate in simple scientific experiments to make something work, powered by solar energy. This kit, priced from $17.85, will provide hours of enjoyment and learning.
“What’s It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live” – In this book, authored by Jill Ammon Vanderwood, your child can better grasp the issues of global warming and how he/she can help, even in a small way. With plenty of rave reviews from readers already, you may well want to ask your neighbourhood bookseller if he/she has this stocked or can order it in for you.
And remember, one of the biggest wastes of Christmas is leftover wrapping paper. Yes, it looks pretty; however, the gleefully-torn gift wrap is quickly discarded. Instead, why not replace that festive gift wrap with plain brown wrapping paper, which is cheaper and recyclable too? If you, or your children, have an artistic flair, you can decorate each present using crayons or felt tip markers. Those personalized presents will become even more special for the recipients.
This year, bring more "green" into the season than your own Christmas tree!
