Green Your Holidays

The holidays are (mostly) behind us now, but we wanted to share some ideas about greening such annual occasions...you could apply this to birthdays and other times of year when you're celebrating.  We put the word out on our Facebook page, asking friends what they've done to green their holidays, and got the following responses:

"Carpooling, and using recycled wrapping paper." - Mary M., employee at Mirbeau Inn & Spa
"Bike ride to my local watering hole...nothing out of the ordinary!" - Sean B.
"Reusing gift bags, and hoping those who receive them do the same." - Kyle K.
"[Making gifts] from upcycled or repurposed materials/remnants from...vintage pieces or sewing projects i worked on in the past..." - Dana C.
"I bought some used bows and wrapping materials at Dave's." - Beth O.
"Newspaper for gift wrapping and a cut up old red t shirt for bows. :) " - Kari S.

Thanks, everyone for sharing your ideas!  We believe it's also really important to support your local artists, shops and restaurants.  Take a few extra minutes to find something locally made and special, and your giftees will truly appreciate it!  Buffalo is full of unique places and people, so take advantage of what our local culture is offering.  For a list of local artists, artisans, and off-the-beaten path galleries/art spaces, check out the list I made (which is still in progress) or visit Buffalo First.

You could also consider donating money to local charities for the holidays, like Jon and I started to do about four years ago.  The first year, we gave to Thea Bowman House in Utica (where we lived at the time).  They offer preschool, after-school programs, a food pantry, domestic violence prevention services and a home for long-term foster children.   In the years that we've lived in Buffalo, we've given our time, auction items, or financial contributions to the City Mission, Paws and Claws Animal Rescue, Art for H.E.A.R.T. Charity Auction, and the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo , to name a few.

No matter what you choose to give, keep it green and local!  Happy Holidays, and wishing you the best for your new year.