and CLS, CBH, KMP and CM

The Quick Facts: As busy mothers, professionals, and human beings, we too get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. Each year (since last year) those of us involved with Real Mama have verbalized our go-green goals for the holidays. This is both to remind us of our values at a hectic time of year and hopefully inspire our readers.

Kari’s Holiday Go-Green Goals:

1. For planning and preparing meals, I will use a least one organic product.

2. I will give reusable canvas bags as gifts to the shoppers in my family.

3. I will give gifts in decorative gift bags or boxes that can be reused, rather than using wrapping paper.

4. For children on my gift list, I will give them subscriptions to kids’ environmental or wildlife magazines, or “adopt and animal” from a participating nonprofit organization working to protect wildlife.

5. If I shop at stores, I vow to not shop further than 10 miles from my home to limit gasoline consumption and vehicle emissions.

Camille’s Holiday Go-Green Goals:

1. I will find a creative way to dress up the gifts I give. I am opposed to wrapping paper.
2. I will make a healthy, organic treat to bring to the annual cookie exchange I attend.
3. I will volunteer the service of my family to a worthy cause for at least one Saturday during this holiday season.
4. I will give battery recycling information along with any toy that I give out for Christmas that requires a battery for operation.
5. I will make certain that any toys I purchase are lead-free.

Corey’s Holiday Go-Green Goals:

1. Turn the heat at home to 55 degrees when away visiting during the holiday.
2. Engage my children in charitable giving by hosting a children’s holiday party at which we’ll collect Toys-for-Tots.
3. Give many gifts in-kind (e.g., “This entitles you to one gourmet (organic) meal prepared by me.”) rather than of material.
4. Give cloth napkins (for everyday use) as gifts to my family and friends.
5. When preparing to host guests, use only non-toxic and all natural cleaning supplies.

Kirstin’s Holiday Go-Green Goals:

1. I will decorate my tree and home with all natural or homemade ornaments (made of wood, paper, etc.) and make it a family project to find or make them.
2. I will use organic ingredients in holiday cooking.
3. I will suggestion that adult family members not give each other gifts. Instead each person will pick a name prior to our holiday celebration and only purchase a gift for the person picked. This will reduce the amount of material objects exchanged and allow us to focus on getting the perfect gift for one.
4. I will make sure to have gifts sent in one delivery if I purchase things online.
5. I will send holiday e-cards instead of paper.

Cornelia’s Holiday Go-Green Goals:

1. I will exchange gifts items we already have (not spend $) with my 5 siblings and their
   spouses in a White Elephant-type of exchange.
2. I will send out e-card greetings instead of paper holiday cards.
3. I will try to consolidate driving trips to visit family around the state in order to save gas and wear and tear on the car.
4. I will take a deep breath and try to be in the moment more often, enjoying the holiday spirit and my friends and family more fully.
5. I will cook and eat more green, leafy, organic vegetables so our family
   stays super-healthy this season.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, December 17th, 2008 at 11:57 am and is filed under Minds. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.