I am still counting down the days! I'm sure everybody is enjoying the season. Hopefully, you have been able to remember a few of my tips while decorating, buying gifts and winterizing your homes. Most of your holiday preparations are probably coming together, but I just want to remind you that one of the most helpful things that you can do is to continue to reduce, reuse and recycle. Remember this is a time of lots of waste production, so try to take as much to the recycling bins as you take to the dumpsters. One thing that you can do to keep others from tossing something in the trash is to give gifts that will be consumed.

For all you last-minute Christmas shoppers (like me), do not fear. I know that you are temped to just buy one more thing for those people that you want to get a gift, but before you make a purchase consider what will they do with that trinket. Will he just have to find a place to put it? Is it something that you chose because you couldn't find anything else? If it is the perfect gift, then go for it. But really think about what would be the most useful or fun for them around this time of year.

Giving a gift that you know they will use is optimal. If they like a special type of lotion or nail polish, that is a good option. If you know your gift receiver enjoys the smell of candles, buy one that smells like Christmas! A special treat that the whole family can enjoy would also be smart. Since holiday gatherings often involve food, a delicious loaf of bread for Christmas breakfast or chocolate for a holiday dessert could be a favorite. Other ideas are valued services like manicures, pedicures and massages. Keep this in mind if you have a few more last minute gifts that you need to buy! Consumable gifts and services are almost certainly used AND loved. Happy holidays! Go Green!