Green Christmas: How to Have a Joyous, Eco-Friendly Holiday Season
by Jennifer Bayse Sander and Peter Sander with Anne Basye

'Tis the season—and while this time of year usually conjures up pictures of fireside family gatherings and candy cane treats, it is also the season where consumers spend and waste the most. Even those who are well on their way to a more sustainable lifestyle will find themselves splurging a bit during the holiday season. After all, can you really find the joy of the season while still being good to the planet?

The authors of Green Christmas: How to Have a Joyous, Eco-Friendly Holiday Season, believe you can do both and give consumers practical tips for making the most of their holiday celebrations while keeping their carbon footprint in tact. And while it is definitely a read meant for consumers, there are some great take-away ideas for brand leaders trying to reach them.

Here is a great review from Kelly J. Jadon, founder of the website BasilandSpice.com. In her overview of the book’s content, she outlines some of the key strategies for readers—which will also be helpful as you plan your next marekting-to-moms campaign:

Considering that many Americans have been or are about to be laid off this holiday season with no relief in sight, parents are wondering about what they can still afford to do for their children this year. Think back to when you were a kid. Do you really remember all the different toys you received each year? My fondest memory is of my dad taking us sledding down a neighbor's hill. These kinds of memories are what your children will recall too.

Green Christmas focuses on how we can have a green Christmas by giving more (of ourselves), and consuming less (of what's wasteful).

"The cost of conforming in the United States is great. Every year between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, Americans generate 25 million extra tons of garbage (about 25% more than during the rest of the year) and spend billions of dollars on purchases that may trigger an uptick on Wall Street but leave consumers burdened with more debt."

A Green Christmas is not just environment-friendly, but is completely suitable in times of economic need.

Green Christmas calls for:

Family involvement--include children, who are probably already aware of global warming and environmental issues; volunteer your time; visit national parks; go on an eco-tourism trip; focus on your time together rather than the gifts received.

Entertaining without waste--consider a local foods Christmas party or an organic wine tasting; invite and get to know your neighbors.

Reducing spending--give organic items, books and DVDs about green living, products made from recycled materials; make your own presents; give a donation on behalf of another; other gift items could include event tickets, gift cards, subscriptions, or membership to a green organization. The concepts presented here were very good. For example, give a gift the whole family could enjoy together.

Cutting energy use and lowering your carbon footprint--suggestions made apply to year round usage. The authors state that we may say goodbye to a white Christmas in the Northern United States. "Already, the local forest preserve toboggan slopes, beloved by three generations of Chicagoans, have closed." The authors believe that global warming exists, is harming the Earth, and humans can make changes to lessen the impact.

Preserving the environment--avoid holiday yard blow ups, buying new ornaments and balloons; send fewer cards (1.9 million are sold each year--Hallmark); reuse old gift wrap or use a red material gift bag over and over; use Christmas lights with LED bulbs; decorate with candy kisses, cranberries, and popcorn; use a potted tree that will live on after the holiday; reduce your fireplace usage.

Supporting local businesses--keeps money in your neighborhood; you'll receive better service; helps create and keep jobs; promotes competition and diversity; less sprawl and environmental damage; in return local businesses usually support local organizations; works toward a positive economic impact locally; you'll invest in your community.

Green Christmas evokes novel ideas and should be read by all Americans who wish to infuse eco-friendly living in their own lives and influence those around them. A Green Christmas itself is a return to the warm wishes and joyous occasions of Christmas past.

Authors Jennifer and Peter Sander live in a somewhat suburban family and consider themselves to be ordinary people and parents, who are making changes in their lifestyle for the benefit of future generations. Together their family reuses, repurposes, and recycles.

Presenting an urban viewpoint, Jennifer's sister, Anne, lives in the city of Chicago and does not own a car, recycles, buys few new items, and favors recycled Christmas trees.