There are easy and fun ways to turn this season into a green holiday and do your part for the environment while saving yourself money. We do not expect people to use all of these ideas, but if everyone could use one of two, think of the impact that we could have on the environment this Holiday Season

• —The first thing, and the easiest, is to simply buy less. Instead of buying many store bought products, think about the things that are most important to your loved ones and focus on that. The thoughtfulness of the gift is really what matters most.
• —For the kids, focus on toys that are battery free. Most estimates are that up to 40% of all battery sales occur over the holiday season. Instead focus on toys that do not require batteries at all and can still generate as much fun.
• —Do not use so many holiday lights. Many companies now sell LED lights that use up to 95% of the energy used by traditional lights. Besides, your neighbors will probably thank you.
• —Get a live Christmas tree.  There are arguments for both artificial and live trees, but in the end live trees win. They trap lots of carbon dioxide from the environment, are biodegradable, can be composted or used for mulch and they smell and look great. Artificial trees are convenient, but contain too many plastics and metals and many are made oversees.
• —Make gifts this year. There are many great websites, like DIY Network, and resources to make soap, candles, or other gifts. Not only is it sustainable and thoughtful, it saves money and the hassle of dealing with the malls.
• —Use old newspaper or paper bags instead of wrapping paper. The wrapping paper industry is making cheaper and thinner paper, but think of all the trees that are wasted every year just by your family. No one will notice the difference as they tear into their gifts this season. If you must use wrapping paper, consider buying from a company that sells plantable seeded paper that grows.
• —Cut out the holiday cards. It is easier to send an electronic card, and it cuts way down on the waste. Nearly 300,000 trees could be saved this holiday season if everyone cut out their cards.
• —Think about what you are giving. If the person that you are buying for likes sports, buy them tickets to a big game. If they are into the movies, buy several movie tickets. If it is a golfer on your list, buy a round or two at their favorite course or lessons to hone their game before next season.
• —Gifts should make lives easier. Some of the best gifts can be simple but meaningful. Give a neighbor a date night and say you will watch the kids for an evening. Give your mom a night off and plan on cooking a family meal at your house instead of hers.
• —Reuse. More people are hosting parties where you bring a gift that cannot be bought in the store. Everyone has something lying around the house that can be given away. This is a great way to cut back on clutter and to find a new home for the gift that you got last year that never knew what to do with (see the first bulleted point.)
• —Conserve electricity by burning candles. Not only do they smell great, but beeswax, soy and vegetable oil candles are biodegradable and can really get you into the holiday spirit.                                                          

As a small and independent family owned business, Glee Gum is a great representative of the types of exhibitors we target for our Green Products Expo. They are passionate about their company, the environment, and sustainable development and it is evident in the products they produce.

 The company was founded after a trip to an economically depressed region of Northern Guatemala. The region produced chicle, which is the sap of the Sapodilla tree that grows in the rainforests of Central America. Chicle once was the main ingredient in chewing gum, but has been replaced by cheaper synthetic resins. Having never thought of the production of chewing gum, and wanting to help support this area of chicle-producing communities, the concept of Glee was born.

 The mission statement on their website best describes what they believe in.

 “We at Verve, inc. believe that consumers can make a big difference in determining the fate of the earth. We hope that everyone takes an active interest in learning where their products come from and how they get to other parts of the world. We cannot exploit the earth’s natural resources indefinitely without facing disastrous consequences.”

 It is exhibitors like Verve Inc. who make us proud to do what we do. We love helping small companies who believe in themselves, their products and the environment. Verve is committed to producing environmentally sustainable products that help shape our world.

Glee gum is available in several flavors including Triple Berry, Bubblegum, Tangerine, Spearmint, Peppermint and Cinnamon.

 Verve also produces Make Your Own Candy kits that come in chewing gum,chocolate and gummies. These are designed to create something fun exciting and delicious while connecting kids to the global community while captivating their interest.

 For more information of Glee Gum or Verve Inc., please visit www.gleegum.com or email them at info@gleegum.com.

Thanksgiving is the time to celebrate over a great meal with friends and family. We are starting to make our travel arrangements, plan our menus and decide what will be for dessert. This is a great time of the year to focus on the environment and make this a Green Thanksgiving. There are easy steps that you can follow to ensure that you are doing your part.

• –Try organic turkey. The North American turkeys we typically buy can’t reproduce on their own and have been bred to produce the most meat at the lowest cost. Organic turkeys grow slower and naturally reproduce. They taste better, too.
• –Use reusable grocery bags. Almost 1 trillion plastic bags are used every year and most end up in our landfills. Reusable bags are environmentally friendly, convenient to use and are handy and versatile.
• –Shop local. Grocery stores have locally grown produce sections for fresh area produce. Also try farmer’s markets and flea markets.
• –Be creative. Decorations can be home made and provide good activities for the kids. Also, use baking soda and water instead of harsh bathroom cleaners and try vinegar for streak free windows.
• –Use traditional dinnerware. Avoid using paper plates and plastic silverware that create additional and unnecessary waste.
• –Recycle. Make sure that your guests are still recycling all cans and bottles plus paper, packaging or other items.
• –Be conscious. It is easier for everyone to participate in making Thanksgiving green if people understand what you are trying to do. Tell your guests your feelings and make it easy for them to help.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday this season, but remember to do all you can to help the environment. After all, we should be most thankful for our planet and all of the sustainable resources that it offers us.