Aquariusmoon's Bistro

A repost of an old post: (I edited considerably)

After so many weeks in November when the afternoon weather stubbornly refused to be colder than late March, we finally around here (Cincinnati) have at least the cold dark and rainy weather we deserve instead of wondering if the flowers would bloom again before finally succumbing to a cold snap in late February. So many times in the past years, by the time I actually needed a scarf and mittens, it was almost time to wonder if green shoots would sprout. I would be called back for the tax season and then suddenly have to take a snow day, the snow came so late. This year, I think the decrease in emissions due to so many people being laid off has allowed nature to at least try to have a winter. But still, this year I’m dreaming of a Green Christmas. A Green Christmas, with LED’s and recycled and handmade gifts and ordering over the net instead of driving frantically to every mall in town. A Green Christmas where local merchants actually have a shot of surviving, local merchants who are on the busline and subway line and that you can walk to.

Things weren’t always like this. When I was a kid, the frost came around Halloween, and more than a few of them were chilly. The heat would come on in November, the radiator starting to make its familiar knocks and pings which let you know that it was the time you could wash out a pair of socks, and hang them over the radiator all night to dry. And dry they would by morning. By the time November turned into December, the heavy, quilted covers would come out, along with the boots. The days would turn gray and raw and cold, with flurries that settled on the grass and threatened the easy walk on the sidewalk. By Christmas, it was a settled cold-you knew that it was winter and were accustomed to pulling out the gloves on a regular basis. There were some warm days, but they were like gems, singular and cherished, because you knew the next day it would snow or turn cold and damp.

Now, I almost feel like a fraud, wearing a lined coat. True, the temperature dips to something more seasonal, but at a time when I wouldn’t be out anyway.

A few principles to help you celebrate both the Earth and the Holiday: Reuse, regift(give something you already own), and be creative. The more we use what we already have the more we make things ourselves, the less emissions there are needed to manufacture and distribute newer items. As for me, I’ve become a freecycler: the joy of finding out that something you already own and no longer need is someone else’s treasure is gratifying.

Decking the halls can be green too. A Christmas find: three years ago I went to an old second-hand store and found perfectly good Christmas cards. The people there practically gave them to me, they cost a dime apiece, some just a nickle. They were clean with no writing and envelopes still with them. Why? Some people buy but never send their Christmas Cards, or they buy too many of them to ever send. I’ve sometimes have seen old boxes of Christmas ornaments, left by people who have upgraded to fancier ones, tree skirts, even half-used boxes of tinsel. Don’t buy the strings of lights-not only are they the old incandescents, but they may be worn with use.

For the people who like to make things, old second-hand stores are also good for some supplies, especially if you sew or knit. Look for half-used balls of yarn, old neglected craft kits, half-used bolts of cloth, toys that can be repainted-all can be a very cheap source of craft supplies, old packs of buttons, ribbons, tablecloths, art supplies-all can be excellent sources of materials for the do-it yourselfer when it comes to making gifts. If all thumbs, look for local artisans who are making things that are interesting.Local artisans can also be a source of gifts People who love what they do, and certainly need the money, especially at this time of years. For the busy, there are ecological gifts: Reusable Bags, Fluorescent Light Bulbs. Food is almost always welcome (Check on dietary issues first, though).

A common source of Holiday confusion: natural or artificial tree? Things are a bit mixed on the subject. On one hand, Artificial trees require a great deal of energy to make, are often made of non-renewable plastic, and are imported from overseas. However, they do last from year to year and can be passed to someone else if the owner wants a larger or smaller tree. Of course, they eventually end up in the landfill, but that can be several years or even decades depending on the quality of the tree. I’ve even seen old 1960’s tinsel trees in antique stores. On the other hand, natural trees are renewable, but you have to buy one every year-and trees are needed more than ever to filter the air and add oxygen, provide habitat for birds and so forth. So there’s no clear answer as to what to do unless someone offers a tree during a move, decides to leave the old artificial one behind. Save it from the landfill.

So, give the earth a gift, and have a Green Christmas. Reuse, recycle, regift, and be creative. Not only will Santa love you, the Earth will love you too. And I can actually get some real use from all that winter gear I own.