I'm dreaming of a green Christmas

Even tho Christmas is upon us, there's still time to stop and think about how we can make a difference with each gift given over the next few days. And what about that beautiful Christmas tree when it's finally time to put away the ghost of Christmas past.

This was printed in the National Geographic website four years but the advice still holds true.

"Between Thanksgiving and New Year's day, Americans throw away a million extra tons [900,000 metric tons] of garbage each week, including holiday wrapping and packaging, according to Robert Lilienfeld. Lilienfield is co-author of the book Use Less Stuff: Environmental Solutions for Who We Really Are.

So why not recycle holiday gift wrap? Lilienfield, who has published a newsletter on reducing waste since 1996, notes that if every family reused just 2 feet [0.6 meter] of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles [61,000 kilometers] of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet.

And not all gifts need wrapping. "Think back to your three favorite holiday memories," Lilienfeld said. "I'm willing to bet that they all involve time you spent with your family and friends."

By giving gifts that can be experienced, like tickets to a baseball game or a homemade dinner, you can minimize wrapping and still win points with the receiver. "People like these gifts just as much," he said."

When it comes time to taking down your Christmas tree, don't just throw it away - I like to stick it in a snow bank just outside my front window and enjoy the imaginary north woods feel it gives, especially when it's snowing. I've noticed the birds like to gather and nestle in their newfound sanctuary. There does come the time however when the last snow has melted and tree has lost it's green color but disposing the tree in your trash isn't the answer. It's perfect for composting or saw the tree branches into smaller more manageable sizes and save them for your outdoor firepit. They'll really get your fire started. Make sure open flames are permitted in your municipality before starting a fire.