The volume of household garbage in the United States generally increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Holiday festivities don't necessarily have to come at the cost of our environment. There are a number of measures to lessen the amount of trash we produce -- and energy we use without having to put a damper on the holiday season.

Trees

• Buy a living tree you can plant outside or keep as a houseplant after the holidays.
• Buy a tree grown locally to save energy associated with transportation.
• Buy a smaller tree. There's less to dispose of and shorter growing time means less land required. If your town doesn't have a tree chipping/reuse system, ask why.

Shopping

• Bring your own bags on shopping trips. Don't accept a new gift box with your purchase if you have a supply of old ones, or try to wrap it without a box.
• When possible use mass transit for shopping errands or catalogue shop by phone or internet. Try to patronize local shops to reduce travel time.

Cards

• Buy cards made from recycled paper and non-toxic inks.
• Buy cards and envelopes that can be recycled in your town.
• Choose cards printed on white stock without metallic or plastic coatings.
• Buy cards wrapped in the least bulky or most recyclable packaging.
• Consider substituting postcards for cards that require envelopes.
• Reuse the fronts of old holiday cards as gift tags.

Decorating

• Decorate with more energy efficient mini-lights rather than the larger, old-fashioned lights. LED lights are safer than conventional lights, up to 90% more efficient and last over 20 years.
• Turn them on only when someone's around to appreciate.
• Wrap gifts using old newspapers or paper bags.
• Avoid foil and plastic-embossed paper, which use more resources in manufacturing.
• When not enjoying your fireplace, close the flue and hearth to prevent heat loss.

Food

• Store leftovers in reusable containers.
• Buy food gifts with as little packaging and processing involved as possible.
• Try to recycle glass bottles and aluminum cans after the festivities.

Gifts

• Give non-material gifts: tickets to an event, a contribution of your own time or talent, or a donation to a charitable organization in someone's name.
• Special activities with a significant other--a candlelit dinner, or outdoor activity. A monthly lunch date with an elderly relative or friend.
• Make a Donation in the name of a loved one.
• Give a donation to local causes
• Got a new microwave, toaster, clock radio, toy, or coat? Consider giving away your old appliances, toys, games, or clothing to a local charity or thrift store.
• Before you throw away or recycle all of those gift catalogs, take a minute to pick out the ones you don't want to receive anymore. Call their toll-free numbers and ask to get off their list.

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.
Maybe Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."

Grinch, How the Grinch Stole Christmas