While we strive to save money, we are also more aware of the need to be environmentally conscious during the holidays. Luckily keeping in the green is much more accessible now than it used to be. Read on for eco-tips about how to decorate, find gift ideas and even wrap your presents guilt-free.

Jodi Helmer, author of “The Green Year: 365 Small Things You Can Do to Make a Big Difference” has suggestions that are easy to incorporate into your decorating traditions. “Turn your home into one of the most festive and eco-friendly on the block with LED (light-emitting diodes) holiday lights. Most retailers stock energy-efficient holiday lights that are 90 percent more efficient,” she says.

But think about the duration you show off those lights. “Leaving your holiday lights turned on 24 hours a day will quadruple your energy costs – and create four times the pollution – as leaving them on for six hours. Set your timer to turn the lights on at dusk and leave them on until you go to bed,” Helmer adds.

Her approach to decorating is simple. Bring nature inside. “A bowl of evergreen boughs and fresh fruit, a basket filled with fallen branches, winter berries and pinecones and seasonal plants like poinsettias make inexpensive holiday décor,” she mentions.

Selecting the right environmentally friendly present has become easier without a hefty price tag. Ladies of all ages will enjoy receiving Lindsay Colbus jewelry crafted from wood and cotton and worn by celebrities like Taylor Swift, Blake Lively and Kate Hudson. You can find a new selection of cosmetic bags and accessories from ecoTOOLS(tm) and Alicia Silverstone available in Target and Walgreens. Beauty lovers will appreciate the brush bag and overnight bags made out of hemp.

Christin Sheehe, owner of Green 4 Your Soul, says her products are both green and fashionable. “What sets me apart from other green companies is my commitment to glamour.  I believe that going green should never mean sacrificing performance or style. I have wonderful line of products designed specifically for teen girls called Sparklehearts. I also feature great bath and body products as well as candles for women.”

For kids, check out Green Toys, whose line includes a tea set, sand play set and recycling truck that are all fashioned from recycled materials.

After buying the presents, get creative with your wrap by using RuMe Bags, recyclable bags that your friends and family can use over again. You can also wrap gifts in fabric from BOBO Wrap that can be used for many different purposes.

So gear up for a green holiday!

- Jennifer Taylor lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her husband and Burmese cat. Her website is www.jrtaylorweb.com
Photo Credit© Gino Santa Maria | Dreamstime.com

Tags: environmental, environmentally friendly, green, holidays