The Christmas season is upon us and while it’s the happiest time of the year, it can also be the most wasteful.  White Christmases are overrated — this year, make sure you, your family and your friends have a green Christmas! Here are a few tips to get you started:

We are thankful you are part of Earth Protect.

You don't have to travel far.
By shopping local you don't have to travel far and if you're lucky enough to have a town center like we do you can park once and hit all the stores. This is particularly nice if you have small children.
You don't have to battle the lines at the mall.
Shopping local means that you won't have to battle crowded malls and wait in long lines. You can spend your time exploring the store and thinking about the right gift, not standing in line.
You can get help from the shop owners.
Have you ever tried to get help finding a gift in a big box store? They're helpful if you're looking for something specific but not if you don't know what you're looking for. Small businesses owners usually know their stock well and can help you choose the perfect gift, not just find it.
The money you spend stays in your community.
When you spend money locally it stays local. That money goes back into the community in taxes, rent and in other ways that help keep your town or community thriving.
You can find amazingly unique gifts.
At small local shops you can find some great unique items that aren't available at the big box stores. We have a local shop in town that sells amazing ceramics and other items made by local artisans. Some truly one of a kind creations.

Read http://technorati.com/lifestyle/article/five-reasons-to-shop-local-for/
Author: Jennifer Pohlhaus
Published: November 08, 2011

Are you part of a growing trend dreaming of a green Christmas? You are if you are interested in protecting the environment and concerned about the over commercialism of Christmas and how much packaging goes to landfills each year. The following are some smart ways to put more green in your Christmas. Think about the environment and how the extra trash can affect it when planning this year’s gift giving.

One way to put a green spin on Christmas is to make your gifts rather than buying them. Besides making less of an impact on the environment, making gifts will make less of an impact on your wallet as well. Think about the people you plan to give gifts to and then think of things you can make or repurpose to create one-of-a-kind gifts.