Décor

73% of Americans plan on buying new holiday décor this season, contributing to the 25% more waste our country creates this time of year. If you are going to buy new, how about placing your dollars (AKA consumer "vote") on sustainably and ethically sourced items that will make both of your homes (your house and the Earth), beautiful.

Lighting. Light the night with eco-savvy choices such as Solar or LED lights (available in all your favorite colors and styles). Solar will use 90% less energy and last longer, saving you money over time. If candles are your thing, just say no to paraffin and yes to 100% beeswax candles by Seattle  Big Dipper Wax Works. You can also buy sheets of beeswax and cotton wicks and roll them into custom candles for Kwanzaa, your menorah, your advent wreath or gifts. So easy, children as young as four can make 'em.

Table. Don't get caught serving your guests their holiday dinner on disposable tableware. Reusable choices abound. Don't have enough for your party of 40? Ask each guest to bring their own setting. (For a twist, ask them to bring along with a story of where it came from to share during the meal.) You can also check out thrift stores or, if budget allows, rental companies such as hip, Seattle-area Totally Tabletops. Recycled/reusable/recyclable Preserve tableware is another great option, as is tree-free compostable tableware available at Seattle's Goods for the Planet. Free décor options include using (compostable and/ or edible) greenery, pine cones, pomegranates, apples, pears, etc.

Tree. A Christmas tree is the main symbol of the holiday, so what's a tree-hugger to do? The best option is a potted tree, i.e. one that remains potted or can be planted outside after the holiday. (If you don't have a yard or the land to plant it, get your tree from North Seattle's Swanson Nursery. After the holidays, return the tree and they'll plant it in Carkeek Park.) Next best is buying a local, organically grown tree, or if a certified organic farm doesn't exist, a tree grown using IPM (Integrated Pest Management, which means less pesticides, overall). Third on our list, would be using fake trees. Unfortunately, they're usually made of PVC, a big no-no, and sometimes contain lead. In addition, the average artificial tree is used for only four years! If you are going this route, buy or acquire trees manufactured in the USA and ask for lead testing results. Then be sure to use your tree year after year! Vintage aluminum trees are also a good option.

Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and the authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Celebrations, Holidays and Traditions for the Whole Family, available at www.CelebrateGreen.NET.