At this stage in the game, you’ve hopefully bought almost all of your presents and are wrapping them up. If you’re stuck without recycled gift wrap (I’m ever the optimist), here are some quickie green wrapping ideas:

Use the Sunday comics. They’re colorful and fun. Try to pick some strips for the outside of the package that you know the recipient will appreciate.

Can it. For a small gift, you could cover an old soup can with a scrap of wrapping paper and stick in your gift. Stuff tissue paper on top so the gift won’t fall out. Or if you have a kid handy, have them create some artwork on a piece of paper, then cut the paper to fit the can’s exterior. Glue or tape it on.

Grab an old napkin. If you have a small gift like jewelry or a gift card, you could use a cloth napkin. …read more of Last Minute Green Gift Wrapping Ideas here

Every year at this time I rack my brain trying to think of the perfect gift for friends and family members. The cliché question of the season seems to permeate my thoughts: What do you buy for the person who has everything?

A couple years ago, after returning from a year in India where I worked with child laborers, I reflected on the concept of “gift giving” and the true spirit of Christmas. I realized the unnecessary practice of buying gifts for loved ones, who may or may not even appreciate it. After an extensive discussion with my siblings we opted for a new gift giving philosophy.

Rather than exchange gifts with each other, we all donated money to a charity of our choice. This upcoming Christmas will be our third year donating money to the organization I worked with in India, Workingchild.org. Rather than purchasing another photo frame or vase for one another, we have enabled 100 children to eat healthy food for a month. …read more of Giving the Gift of Ethics here

Rosh Hashanah, or, the Jewish New Year, is somber unlike January 1st.  We take inventory, a lot of reflection and repentance until the 7th day of Sukkoth or Hoshaana Rabbah. Cl …read more of Making Jewish Holidays Greener here

I crave an old-fashioned Fourth of July.

A pancake breakfast sponsored by the Rotary. A parade with lots of flags. A concert on the Village Green.  Fireworks on a waterfront.

And that’s exactly what I am going to get because I’m going to spend this Fourth of July in Bar Harbor, Maine.

Chris Fogg, Executive Director of the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce, says, “We have a very traditional celebration that hits everything Maine is known for.” That means, of course, that there will be lots of blueberries and lobster. …read more of A Red, White, and Blue Holiday in Maine Goes Green here

Not to be a party pooper, but I’ve never been a big fan of the Fourth of July.  It’s not that I don’t enjoy a day off of work and the time with friends and family.

It’s the sound of war that surrounds the city and the haze of smoke that lingers for a few days after. It’s as far from a celebration of our country as can be. Most typical celebrations involve loads of paper plates, Styrofoam cups, lots of meat, processed foods, and chemical spewing fireworks.

This year, do it differently and show your friends and family how to have a fun Fourth, without the trash and smoke.

1. Buy local, buy organic, buy veggies.  Greening up your Fourth feast is easy. Farmers’ markets are teeming with a huge variety of produce right now—take advantage. …read more of Three Ways to Have a Sustainable Holiday here