Don't Forget Santa

I've definitely gotten swept up in the Christmas spirit fast, and since I have kids Santa Claus is a big part of the season. So it's important that I don't forget about Santa in all my preparations.Our most beloved North Pole resident's home is in real danger due to climate change and the threat of oil development in its pristine waters due to opportunities presented by melting ice.

Even for me, a climate fanatic, it can be easy to get lulled into a false sense of security and forget this daunting problem we created for ourselves by burning fossil fuels. It's much nicer to go on with business as usual and not think about it. So, as we go through this season which is largely defined by rampant consumerism, keep the jolly guy in the red suit who lives up North, and your kids, in mind as you make your purchases and travel plans. Do what you can to protect Santa's Arctic home and workshop.

To make your Christmas more green consider these things:

• limit travel
• Carpool, CarShare or use public transit
• Focus on experiences instead of things (Locals, see The Family Friendly Holiday Guide to BVT)
• Limit the number of gift purchases
• Buy local so your goods consume fewer transport fuels? (Locals, see Shop VT 2013). 
• Make gifts yourself
• Buy from craft fairs or other local artists
• Upgrade your Christmas lights to LEDs or get solar lights and put them on a timer
• Use reusable gift bags instead of wasting wrapping paper

There are many things we can do to reduce our environmental impact without killing the holiday spirit. Have yourself a Green and Merry Christmas!