With Christmas evolving into a holiday solely focused on the attainment of more stuff, maintaining a green mindset can be a difficult task. New junk, plus possible shipping, plus way too much extra packaging and wrapping equals extreme waste. Definitely not an environmentally friendly equation. But don’t think you have to miss out on those classic Christmas staples: the tree, new toys, creative gifting and indulging in tasty treats. Reshaping your Christmas routine to be greener is as easy as your usual Christmas shopping.

As Christmas sneaks closer everyday, we tend to blithely toss our green concerns aside, opting for a materialistic turn of events. After a year of work and no fun, the idea of treating others as well as ourselves, sounds more satisfying than ever. There’s no doubt you deserve it but there’s no need to lose focus on the bigger picture: sustaining our planet.

Here are alternatives to the standard holiday froufrou.

Trees: While fake trees were once touted as the eco-friendly option, it is now believed your tried-and-true standard cut tree is greener. Fake trees are made of polyvinyl choride (PVC), which creates a lot of pollution and are hard to recycle. Cut trees can easily be recycled into mulch. Check out Earth911.org to find a local tree recycle center. But make sure to buy one from an organic farmer to avoid pesticides and chemicals.
If you want the really green option, buy a potted, living tree. Finding one locally is best, but these can also be rented online. The best part about buying one locally is being able to plant it afterwards, which can turn into a fun, family tradition.

Gifts: Gifts don’t always have to be objects. Give the gift of an experience! A massage, concert tickets, dance classes or a dinner at a fancy restaurant gives them a fun experience to remember.
If you insist on giving things, make it! There’s nothing more touching and meaningful than a homemade, personal gift. Utilizing a skill—sewing, knitting, woodworking, baking—will wow your family and friends.
Or, buy gifts from local artists and craftspeople. It boosts the local economy plus there’s no shipping.
For those difficult people that have everything, why not donate to a charity in their name? The gift of giving to those that really need it is the true spirit of the holiday.

Wrapping: When buying gifts, be conscious of the amount of packaging you’re buying too. Often, it’s more mass than the actual product.
Most people have enough supplies lying around to wrap every gift they give. Use leftover fabric scraps or even paper bags. A look in the junk drawer can be inspiring too.
Or, incorporate the wrapping into the gift. Wrap a gift with homemade dish towels, pillow cases or knitted socks. This is a fun time to get creative!

Greening the holidays only requires a look in a different direction. Plus it truly adds to the Christmas joy that we’re really celebrating. Knowing you’re not adding to extra waste and pollution is the best thing about staying green this time of year.