Go green and gave big for the holidays

Dec 13 2010

Go green and gave big for the holidays

If you’re hoping to save a buck or two this holiday season, your Christmas tree shouldn’t be the only thing that’s green. Whether you’re wrapping gifts, decorating your home or entertaining a house full of guests, going green can help you save money (and the environment, too!) With help from online coupon site Savings.com and its community of DealPros, we’ve put together a quick guide to help you save big by going green.

Ditch the Paper (and the tape and scissors, too!) Wrapping paper may look pretty, but it exists solely to be shredded to pieces–a waste of your money and time. So why not do away with wrapping paper and save money and the environment at the same time? Erin Huffstetler, the Frugal Living Guide for About.com, and a 2010 Savings.com DealPro, couldn’t agree more. She suggests forgoing wrapping paper altogether and using items you already have around the house to wrap gifts. According to Erin, “empty oatmeal containers, strawberry containers and fabric scraps make great wrapping materials. If you have kids, you can use their artwork, too!” Need gift boxes? “Save your cereal boxes. They work just as well as shirt boxes, and don’t cost the environment a thing.”
Holiday Party Rule #1: Create a clean, green party scene Stressed about cleaning and prepping your house for guests? Spending money on cleaning supplies adds even more to your “to do” and “to spend” list. Thanks to a tip from Savings.com DealPro Merissa Alink of Little House on the Prairie Living, you can create your own cleaning products with ingredients you already have in your own home–not only saving you money and a trip to the store, but also reducing the amount of harmful chemicals released into the environment. Merissa’s recipe for an all-purpose cleaner to use in your kitchen, bathroom and countertops calls for mixing one cup of vinegar and two cups of water, then adding a few drops of tea tree oil or lavender essential oil for anti-bacterial power. “This cleaner will cost less than one third of a store-bought cleaner. You can reuse old spray bottles and use rags instead of paper towels so that you can wash them when you are done.” Follow these simple steps to a house that’s green and clean!
Party Planner? Be the host but don’t spend the most Everyone loves a festive holiday party, but it’s not as fun when you break the bank on holiday décor. DealPros Brandi Savitt and Stephanie Berenbaum of Fabulous & Frugal suggest shopping your home for holiday decorations before ever going to the store and spending more money. Oftentimes you’ll have just what you’re looking for right in your own home!Another unwelcome and “un-green” aspect of hosting a party? Bags and bags of trash! Rather than using disposable dishes at your party, Erin Huffstetler suggests investing in a set of white dishes. “Unlike disposables,” she says, “they can be used again and again, and they look a lot classier too.” Additionally, Erin suggests skipping the cans and bottles and serving one or two beverages in large pitchers or punch bowls, even if you have a large crowd. “You’ll spend less, you’ll have less to haul from the store and you’ll have a lot less trash to deal with afterward.” Being green really is a money-saving machine! Looking to save but not sure what type of food to serve? Go organic! Your guests and your wallet with thank you. Savings.com DealPro Crystal Collins, also known as “The Thrifty Mama,” suggests using Amazon.com’s “subscribe and save” feature for incredible savings on organic groceries.

“Deck the halls with boughs of holly…” (Not lights!) They’re bright and beautiful, but not so nice to your energy bill! Erin suggests cutting your holiday energy use by switching to LED Christmas lights. “They use 90% less energy than regular lights.” Also, she adds, “only turn your lights on when you’ll be around to enjoy them!” Setting your lights on timers will ensure that you won’t be wasting energy when you’re not around to turn them off yourself.

For additional shopping and savings tips from the 2010 Savings.com DealPros, follow them on Twitter at @savings/su10. For great frugal living tips throughout the holiday season, be sure to visit the Savings.com personal finance blog, Blog & Save.

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