Susan Crate is an anthropologist and professor at George Mason University. Her research focus is human ecology. Crate offers tips on enjoying the winter holidays while being friendly to the environment.
What characterizes a “green holiday”?
A green holiday means that people find ways to celebrate the season, or some other special event, in ways that do not harm the environment or other people, plants or animals. This pertains not only to harming the environment, people, plants or animals in the immediate location, but also in distant areas.
What’s the best way for a family to travel?
I know that people often travel to be near family. If you must travel, unless you walk or ride your bike (or roller-skate, etc.), you will generate greenhouse gases. There are numerous organizations that you can join or just connect with to offset your carbon for your trip. I use TerraPass.
What kind of household products could one use to wrap gifts?
My favorite are the comics from the Sunday paper — I recycle my newspapers, but I always keep the comics and use them for wrapping paper. I also save wrapping paper that comes via my child’s birthday gifts from her friends — a form of recycling. I have also taken the tan/gray paper that some things are packed in when shipped — wrap the gift, then take magic markers and draw on the outside.
Some houses are covered in lights. How many lights constitute too many lights?
I don’t know, but make sure you turn them on when you and others are awake and can enjoy them. I would recommend using a timer from the time it gets dark to around the time you go to bed.
