As much as we at Hammertown would love to see our customers doing all their Christmas shopping in any one or all of our 3 stores, we also know that in these times, we have a responsibility to take actions that will not only benefit us monetarily but also environmentally. As Joan said in our recent newsletter,

“We live in an age of over-consumption, and as a result I am more aware of the importance behind thoughtful buying… I strive to fill our stores with items that are both useful and beautiful, crafting our appreciation and celebration of material gifts, while not participating in mindless materialism.”

In that spirit we’ve come up with 5 easy ideas on how to make your Christmas “Greener” - in fact, they’re so easy, you don’t even need to get out of your chair to do most of them.

1. Here’s something you can do right now…

while you’re online reading this. There’s a website called http://www.freecycle.org/ that you should look at (membership is free). It is a prime example of a grassroots movement that started small and ended up big — with over 4.1 million members across the globe.

This is the place to go when you want to give or get stuff for free in your own local area. Each local group (go to “Browse Groups” on the site) is moderated by a local volunteer. It’s all about re-use and keeping usable things out of landfills. Think of it as, “online re-gifting”! It also celebrates the true spirit of the holidays…the first time I went on the site there was a posting by a single mom in Columbia County who was looking for winter coats for her kids. And, she got them! Another Dutchess County woman was asking for used toys so her 5 and 7 year old girls would have Christmas presents. She got brand new ones! It doesn’t get any better than that.

2. Another website, http://www.thedailygreen.com/

is absolutely loaded with great and green ideas for the holidays and beyond. Animal lovers that we are here at Hammertown, especially liked these items:

Planet Dog Big Red Bone

Actions speak louder than woofs. Planet Dog (click here) gives away a percentage of their profits to dog charities. Help them on their mission by giving your dog a Planet Dog Big Red Bone this Christmas.

AND DON’T FORGET THE CAT….

Prrounge Chaise Lounge

Created using recycled cardboard, paper, old cartons, woodchips, shavings and sawdust, the Prrounge Chaise Lounge (click here) from eco-designer Elizabeth Paige is strong enough for any clawing kitty, yet cozy and comfortable for long catnaps too. The corrugated texture provides a surface that is soft, breathable and durable for scratching. All adhesives are nontoxic.

3) For green…and blue, red, yellow…holiday lights check this out: http://www.holidayleds.com/

LED Holiday Lights are here! Our LED Holiday Lights have a great look, and are super-colorful and pretty! What’s more, they use 90% less energy! And they last almost forever, often up to 20 years! LED lighting technology is awesome: you just plug it in!

AND GET THIS… HolidayLEDs.com has a Christmas Light Recycling Program. From now until December 20, 2007, HolidayLEDs.com will accept incandescent Christmas lights for recycling. All lights submitted for recycling must be mailed to HolidayLEDs.com, postage paid, and post-marked no later than December 20, 2007. The first 100 participants (which shall be determined by the date the packaged is post-marked) will receive one free set of LED Christmas lights. (check out their website for more information on this)

4. Use Recycled Paper Gift Wrap

During the holidays, Americans will send nearly 2 billion cards and use more than 38,000 miles of ribbon. Then there’s gift wrap. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, the average American household increases its trash output by 25%, resulting in 5 million extra tons of garbage. According to the Carnegie Mellon Green Practices initiative, “If every American family wrapped just three presents in reused materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.”

 

5. KITCHEN STUFF - Bamboo Chopping Board

Why bamboo? Bamboo is actually a grass that grows to a harvestable height between 3-5 years. Some species grow up to 2 feet per day. After harvesting, bamboo does not require replanting.

Bamboo has an extensive root system that continually sends up new shoots, naturally replenishing itself, making it one of the most renewable resources known.It is 16% harder than maple which means less visible knife marks keeping the cutting board looking brand new for years to come.

AND YES…you can BUY bamboo cutting boards at Hammertown.

Okay…so there are 5 good ideas to get the ball rolling. NOW we want — we need — to hear from you. Saving the planet is a team effort and we’d love to have your input on ways we can all help. Think of it as a great holiday gift for Mother… Earth! Just complete the comments section below to share your ideas.