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What better way to keep in the well-wishing spirit of the fall and winter holidays than to modify our traditions to benefit personal health, animal welfare and the natural world outside our homes? The tips below provide some guidance on how to green your Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s and other winter celebrations:

Plan your meal.
Several options exist for planning the family feast, especially when it comes to the turkey. First try to purchase a turkey or chicken from a local poultry farmer, which keeps your money circulating within the region. Avoid factory farmed poultry: While federal law prohibits the use of growth hormones, it does allow the use of antibiotics, animal byproducts, arsenic-based drugs, pesticides, and sewage sludge.

Instead, buy a free range, organic and/or heritage bird from a farmer you trust, or a supermarket bird that carries at least one of these labels: USDA certified grass-fed or organic, certified humanely raised and handled, or biodynamic. These turkeys tend to be more expensive and harder to find than conventionally-grown turkeys so reserve your bird as soon as possible. Survey your options at your favorite farmers market or supermarket, or search Local Harvest for a listing. Other meat options include pastured pork, beef and lamb. You could also skip meat (and the indigestion) this year and try a vegetarian or vegan meal.

Set the mood.
First, use non-toxic cleaning products to tidy your home. Cheap homemade solutions of vinegar, water and baking soda can do the job as well as reputable brands of plant-based products. Then decorate with gourds, gingerbread ornaments, flowers, leaves, pinecones and wreaths and other biodegradable items. Light with energy efficient LED tree lights and soy or beeswax candles, which are made of renewable materials that burn cleaner than paraffin candles. Use natural scents and oils for fragrance, such as rose, vanilla, lavender or cinnamon.

Save money by investing in classic and durable decorations – such as tree skirts, themed hand towels and candy bowls -- so that you don’t need to repurchase them. Try to reuse plastic Christmas trees or purchase a live tree that can be replanted outside or composted. Find Guilford County’s tree recycling information here. (Scroll to the bottom.)

Give gifts.
Reuse gift bags, fabric and on-hand craft materials to wrap presents before you head to the store to purchase wrapping paper and bows. Possible wrapping materials include newspaper, ribbon, old gift cards for tags, decorated paper bags, tablecloths, scarves and tote bags. Or purchase new gift paper made from recycled materials.

Also, avoid giving gifts that come with a negative environmental or social footprint, such as body care products with questionable ingredients or toys and games that promote violence. Instead, find ways to help friends and family members live more sustainably. Some ideas: vegetable seeds and tools for a beginning gardener or shares in a community supported agriculture program, a gift certificate to an independent business, a paid-for home energy audit, or organic cotton bed sheets.

Clear the table.
Let’s hope you used cloth napkins and Grandma’s china (or the clearance Corelle®) instead of Styrofoam plates. Plan to recycle as many disposable items as you can, such as wine bottles and cardboard cake boxes, and compost non-meat food scraps. Make this task easier on your guests by setting up labeled bins in the kitchen or dining room. Encourage guests to bring their own reusable containers for leftovers.

Think new holiday traditions.
Find ways to remind yourself of the importance of healthy bodies, communities and ecosystems. Sing carols to senior citizens at a nursing home. Participate in the Audubon Society’s annual winter bird count or create a “goodie tree” for neighborhood wildlife with garlands of nuts, popcorn (salt- and butter-free), bread crumbs, dried fruit, and pine cones covered with peanut butter and bird seed. You also could include at least one green living goal in your list of New Year’s resolutions. Some examples: Visit a farm, meet the owners of the store you patronize, learn to mend clothes, or volunteer at an environmental organization.

References and resources:
Greener Choices (Consumer Reports)
Discovery’s Planet Green