Old school alternatives for sold out tissue, wipes and diapers

Covid 19 binge buying has left shelves empty of many essential items. Just what does one do for toilet paper when a bidet is not a viable option? What if your baby needs wipes for sensitive skin and there's none on the shelf? Thankfully, there's an old school substitute for just about any essential item that's been shopped out of availability.

Toilet paper doesn't have to be paper

When TP started vanishing off the shelves, hubby and I bought a large pack of cheap washcloths just in case we ran out of TP while quarantined. I realize some folks might find this solution unappealing but it's no different from using cloth diapers for your baby. Just keep a stack in a basket for ease of use.

Washcloth TP tips:

To avoid irritation, run your wipe cloths under water before use.

Rinse before tossing in the laundry. (Or not, whatever you're comfortable with.)

Keep used cloths in a separate hamper. Wash separately as well.

Microfiber washcloths make awesome baby wipes

They're perfect for babies with sensitive skin. They're relatively inexpensive too. Especially when you consider that they can be re-used. Like commercial baby wipes, they're not just for diaper changing. They're soft enough for baby faces too.

Microfiber cloth baby wipe tips:

Make them portable by storing in an old wipe box, zip-lock bag or plastic container.

You can pre-wet them with water or unscented mineral oil.

Bring a separate zip-lock bag for used cloths that need washing.

Wash any unused pre-wetted cloths at days end to avoid mold issues.

Instead of bleaching, use hot water and a cup of hydrogen peroxide in the wash.

Cloth diapers are an obvious substitute for sold out disposables.

Don't worry, these are not your grandmother's cloth diapers. Modern ones are leak-proof and have snaps so no stabbing baby with awkward diaper pins. Some have washable liners for easier clean up too. Cloth diapers will save you money and are less polluting. You may even decide to switch permanently once the Coronavirus crisis is over.

Bonus tip:

By now you know about making your own hand sanitizer, right?

If not, simply mix up a solution of 2/3 cup rubbing alcohol 1/3 cup aloe vera gel. In a pinch, you can use straight rubbing alcohol but adding the aloe vera does keep your hands from drying. Keep your solution in a liquid soap dispenser for ease of use.

Cutting off plastic pollution and more at the source

At the tip top of my list of things that make you go hmmmm is this little gem. (And I do my part, but...) Why is it the average citizen is always left holding the bag and making up for all the irresponsible companies manufacturing tons upon tons of plastic and other products that jeopardize the planet?

Why are we expected to spend countless hours sorting it all out and in some cases paying for it to be picked up and processed?

Pinterest is filled with clever ways to re-use one time use items made with environmentally hazardous products and we fall for it every time.

Meanwhile, we miss the most obvious solution.

Why don't the powers that be simply make it illegal to make this crap in the first place?

Why in the heck is so much guilt loaded onto the average citizen when they can't afford or haven't the means to recycle in communities where doing so is neither free nor easily done? If “they” want us to recycle everything, why do “they” make it so hard?

In other words, why are average citizens always held responsible for the messes left behind by big business?

The answer is that there would be less money in the pockets of the ultra rich, of course. Awww, don't you feel so sorry for the billionaire owners of these companies who will lose money if they have to do things the right way?

And of course, they will try to pass the truth behind their actions off by citing job losses. Really? Are we going there? Because certainly, there will be more jobs created by the new, more responsible industries. We've seen that coming to fruition with wind and solar power already.

But hey, it's easier to make the average citizen feel guilty for corporate irresponsibility, right?

Yup.

And so it goes, forever and ever, Amen.

Cheap, green bathroom disinfecting

Commercial all purpose surface disinfectants can cost up to 15.00 a bottle. You want your bathroom to be clean and sanitized. You can't afford those prices. What's a tree hugger to do? Luckily, you can clean and sanitize your bathroom using common ingredients that don't harm the environment or make a huge dent in the household budget.

The power of steam

Inexpensive steam cleaners sanitize just as well as bleach. Prices range from 30. and up, depending on brand and functions. The simplest ones are mainly intended for flat floor cleaning. Others have nozzles for cleaning hard to reach areas, such as under pedestal sinks. Steam is a powerful disinfectant that uses only pure H2O. That's about as Eco-friendly as it gets.

Lemons and limes

You hear a lot about cleaning with baking soda and vinegar. Lemons and limes are a bigger secret that's just as effective. Both lemon and lime juice are great at freshening, sanitizing and removing grime. Limes are quite powerful on soap scum, rust and even mold. Try lime juice and baking soda on grout, shower rust and other tough bathroom stains.

Keeping toilets fresh and clean

You don't need chemical solutions to clean, freshen and sanitize toilets. Scrub with a paste of baking soda and vinegar to sanitize. That's all there is to it. If you prefer a scented solution, thyme and lavender essential oils have disinfectant properties as well. Use them around the toilet base and under the seat, where germs tend to collect.

Mirrors, windows and reflective surfaces.

Ammonia and water is a common homemade window cleaning product. Unfortunately, it's not so green. Commercially made Eco-friendly window cleaners are expensive. Why use them when less expensive ingredients will do the trick? Vinegar and water produces a streak free shine that rivals any known product, green or otherwise. Rubbing alcohol and water will do the same. Both are powerful disinfectants. To properly sanitize, use a solution of 60% vinegar or rubbing alcohol and 40% water.

Green disinfecting air freshener.

It's certainly a good idea to clear the air of harmful bacteria. Rather than relying on commercially made, chemical laden products, why not use something that sanitizes and freshens without harm? Fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Add a little at a time until the strength of the scent is to your liking. Essential oils are all natural. They won't harm the environment. Still, it's best not to breathe them in directly, especially if you have trouble with allergies, sinus issues or asthma.

Note: To avoid discoloration, do not spray this solution on fabric.

Alternative medicine as a green living strategy

Most alternative medicine practices are green practices. Many green ways of preventing or curing disease are considered alternative medicine. Let's take a look at some alternative medicine recommendations and explore the green link in each of them

Eating close to nature

Using food as alternative medicine requires eating as close to nature as possible. Skipping processed foods, chemical pesticides and fertilizers (in favor of growing your own food) is about as green as it gets. Organic gardening is great alternative medicine for just about any health problem you might have. Eco-friendly organic food makes such great preventative medicine.

Herbal cures

Herbs are often used as natural remedies in alternative medicine. What could be more green than these gifts of mother nature? Whether you make a poultice, a salve or sprinkle them on your spaghetti, herbs contain a high amount of antioxidants. They also contain unique ingredients to relieve the symptoms of many diseases and conditions. For the most health and green benefits, be sure your herbs are organically grown.

Therapeutic alternative medicine

What could be greener than a massage? How about a session of yoga, or other therapeutic alternative medicine? These practices have been used for thousands of years with no harmful environmental side effects. They certainly beat invasive surgery, radiation and other forms of conventional medicine when it comes to going green. So, are they alternative medicine or green living choices? Happily, they fit in either category.

Home remedies
Many home remedies contain simple pure ingredients such as apple cider vinegar and baking soda. There are no harmful chemicals to wash down the drain. No medicinal chemicals going down the toilet and into our water supply. Be careful, though. Not all home remedies are green. Do your research!

Summing it up

No matter what alternative medicine you choose, it's likely a green choice as well. Much alternative medicine is derived from a healthy respect for mother earth. If you're a true supporter of all things natural, aligning your alternative medicine choices with green living for a greener lifestyle just makes good sense. Taking cures from nature without showing respect for the earth just wouldn't be right.

 

Are green and frugal the same?

Is there a difference between being green and being frugal? Aren't they the same? I once thought the answer to this question was a resounding yes. Now I realize the answer isn't all that clear. Sometimes being frugal is green. Sometimes it's not green in any sense of the word.

Frugal people do use less resources. They are very thrifty, but not always environmentally friendly. The frugal habits I was taught as a child have served me well. Still, some need a bit of tweaking to go green. What can we frugal people do to transition to an even greener lifestyle?

Using leftovers sounds green and frugal, doesn't it?

Plastic containers are re-usable. Are they ecofriendly? Not at all, uness they are specifically made to be. Most are not. And the production process itself wastes resources and causes harm.
How can we make saving leftovers a greener practice, while remaining thrifty? I've started saving leftovers by placing them in glass containers or a ceramic bowl and covering them with a plate. Turning frugal green can be as simple as that.

A garden is frugal and green, right?

Not so fast. How does your garden grow? With chemical pesticides and fertilizers all in your rows? Did you know there's a green alternative for every chemical pesticide and fertilizer out there? Don't let garden centers talk you into buying something you and your family don't want in (or on) your food.

Why add to run-off pollution? Take the time to learn about companion plants that keep away pests and nourish growth. Look into composting and other ecofriendly gardening techniques. You'll save money and the environment.

Driving that old clunker instead of upgrading is frugal.

Is it environmentally friendly? That's a matter of opinion. You must consider the age of the car as pertains to emissions. Older cars are not ecofriendly in that respect. What about buying a new car? Does manufacturing a new energy efficient green car present it's own environmental hazards? Of course it does. Plus there are resources used to think about.

No matter how you look at it, biking and using public transportation are more frugal and environmentally friendly than either option. Walking, of course, comes first in the naturally green race.

Going paperless is frugal and green.
Or is it? If you're an online writer, like myself, you have to at least keep an electronic record of your work. Going paperless saves the trees. What about saving energy? If you're going paperless there are things you can do to be even more environmentally conscious.

Away from the computer for more than 20 minutes? Shut it down. If you must print, use the two sided option. Keep the rest of your office green by using daylight for heat and lighting whenever possible.

Being frugal isn't always green.

In fact, it's nearly impossible to go completely green these days, frugal or not. Still, for those of us who care about our impact on future generations, doing so is well worth the time and research. It's sad that our modern lifestyle gives us little choice but the option to weigh our odds.

The best we can do sometimes is to make the least impact possible. It seems that in giving ourselves creature comforts, we have also given ourselves a whole new set of problems. Going green while saving money may not be as practical as it once was. Still, it's the right thing to do.

Cheap green Christmas gifts for tween girls from fabric scraps

Cheap Christmas gifts for tween girls aren't hard to come by. Tween girls are really getting into the environmental movement and just starting to think about room decor. Why not give them a truly green and meaningful Christmas gift this year? Make these inexpensive gifts yourself by reusing and recycling items you may already have.

Memory quilt

Use scrap fabric from special outfits or even Dad's old pj's to make a beautiful warm Christmas quilt for a tween girl. She'll love a quilt with random flower patches sewn on. Choose fabrics with meaning. Let them guess the origin of the fabric pieces. Quilts are the original green room decor item for teen and tween girls.

Bulletin board

This green gift for tweens starts with a regular large cork board. Cork is a sustainable product. Decorate the cork board with recycled fabric scraps. Embellishments to reflect the personality of your tween. Personalize the board with her name or favorite hobby. This thoughtful green gift gives them a spot to tack friends photos or reminders on.

Throw pillows

Tween girls love pajama parties. What's a pajama party without a pillow fight? Make various shapes and sizes of throw pillows with scrap fabric. This cheap ecofriendly Christmas gift will get plenty of use. Check your tween's room out in advance for color schemes. Be sure to subtly ask if she is planning on any room decor changes too.

Headboard

Make a unique fabric scrap headboard for a tween girl. This green Christmas gift can be done in a variety of ways. Here's two:
Hang a fabric collage as a headboard. Use two large fabric scrap panels as a dramatic curtain headboard.

Note: You can also cover a board with fabric wrapped cushion for an elegant room decor look.

Fairy-tale bed

Give your tween a fairy-tale bed with flowing scrap fabric hung around it. This green Christmas gift makes her feel like a princess. Curtain rods can be suspended from the ceiling to hold the fabric. Use strips of chiffon or tulle tied and allowed to hang down. Scrap ribbon ties and sweeps back the curtain for a dramatic effect.

Picture table

This gift is made by recycling an old wooden coffee table. Sand the table down. Paint it to match your tween girls' room decor. Glue pictures and scrap fabric to the table as a collage. Cover with non-toxic decoupage glue. You can also make this table using a jigsaw puzzle, news clippings or other memorabilia.

Funky fashion purse

What tween girl doesn't like purses? Make a basic purse out of scrap fabric. Add more scrap fabric pieces, patches and buttons with silly sayings until you are happy with your masterpiece. Or, put together a kit your tween can use to make it herself. Just sew the purse and give your tween the objects to add on.

Kids: Green gift ideas for your grandparents

The frugal ways of grandparents are ecofriendly habits. Why not reinforce their green style with these inexpensive Christmas gifts? Grandma and Grandpa know that grandkids don't have a big budget for Christmas. Luckily, going green doesn't have to break the bank. Combine grandparent frugality with grandkid sized piggy banks for these cheap, green Christmas gifts.

Homemade stationary

Grandparents love to write snail mail. Kids can make homemade stationary as a Christmas gift. Just chop up some old paper and bits of flower heads in a blender with a small amount of water. Spread the pulp out into a sheet on some fine screen. Let dry and peel off. Be sure to wash the blender right away after use.

Soy crayon drawings
Use that recycled homemade paper you just made for the next gift idea. What grandparents don't love drawings from their grand-kids? Kids can use soy based crayons to draw beautiful pictures and designs on homemade paper. Pop the drawing into a cheap frame from the dollar store to give a finished look to this Christmas gift.

Milk jug bird feeder

Grandparents often have a love of nature. Why not make them a bird feeder for Christmas? This inexpensive Christmas gift is a snap to make. Cut a slanted hole in the top of the jug, leaving the handle intact and taking off the pouring spout. Use odd bits of cheap scrap paper to glue a mosaic pattern all over the jug. Tie a string for hanging to the handle. Fill with bird seed.

Quilt Squares

Use up that old fabric to make a pretty pack of quilt squares for grandparents. Grandma can stitch up a nice warm Christmas quilt for her and Grandpa. Or maybe Grandpa is the “seamstress” of the family. Who knows? You can use old worn out clothes to make quilt squares too. Pinking sheers cut fabric into squares of the same size that won't ravel. Tie a pretty ribbon around each bundle.

Bucket gardens

Some grandparents lack the space to garden. Try putting together a bucket garden as a cheap green Christmas gift. Use an old bucket with the outside painted a pretty color. Poke holes in the bottom of another bucket for drainage. Slip the bucket with the drainage holes inside the pretty one. Add a bag of good soil, along with some seeds. Now, Gram and Gram can just add water and watch the magic happen.

Plastic shopping bag dispenser

Here's a great Christmas gift for frugal grandparents. Remove the label from a plastic 2 liter soda bottle. Cut off the bottom. The bottom becomes the top. Decorate the bottle by covering it with contact paper. Punch two holes one inch apart at the top for hanging from cup hooks. Stuff bags into the open top. Pull bags out of the pour spout to dispense.

Drawer sachets
Grandparents love fresh smelling sachets for their clothes drawers. Make these cheap green Christmas gifts using items around the house. You'll need small circles of breathable fabric and ribbon to make the bags. Just lay the fabric circles out. Pile scented potpourri in the center. Gather the circle. Tie the ribbon in a bow to hold it together.

Homemade potpourri

Why not make your own homemade potpourri for the sachets? This can be given with or without a container. Package it in a pretty bag or bowl. Making potpourri isn't complicated. There are techniques to keep a longer lasting scent in the potpourri. The above link will help you learn to make your own potpourri that lasts.

Inexpensive ecofriendly Christmas gifts for coworkers

Looking for green gift ideas for Holiday gift exchanges? You want to give coworkers nice presents but remain environmentally conscious. You don't have a big budget either. Why not make your own homemade green Christmas gifts?

Herb growing kit

Your coworkers can grow their own herbs with this great herb growing kit. Include small ecofriendly clay pots, soil and herb seeds in a pretty basket. This cheap Christmas gift for coworkers lets them grow healthy, ecofriendly herbs indoors all winter. In spring, the herbs can be transplanted outdoors or in larger pots.

Fancy it up:

Paint the outside of the pots in pretty spring colors with non-toxic craft paint.

Baking mixes

This is a popular gift coworkers will love. Layer dry ingredients in a glass mason jar. Include a recipe. List wet ingredients, mixing and baking instructions. Tie a pretty ribbon around the jar with the recipe attached. For an added touch, bake a finished batch and put them all in a basket together.

Fancy it up:

Package it in a mixing bowl. Add a wooden spoon with a pretty red checked bow.

Jams and jellies

Jams and jellies are actually quite simple to make. They make a really pretty homemade Christmas gift for co-workers. Make a big batch. Give one jar to each coworker on your list. They can reuse the jars for any purpose including making their own batch of jelly. Include a recipe to make it easier for them.

Fancy it up:

Cut circles from floral fabric. Rubber-band them over your jars for a handmade look.

Homemade pickles

Who doesn't love pickles of one kind or another? Whether they're dill or bread and butter, these pickles won't last long. They can be made in large batches just like the jams and jellies. Include a recipe for a nice touch.

Fancy it up:

Add whole dill, garlic cloves or whatever whole spices you like to each jar.

Soap

Why not make homemade soap for Christmas gift exchanges? It really is quite easy. Buy inexpensive soap base at any craft store. Craft stores also sell soap molds, scents and colors for environmentally sound soap making. You can even buy an inexpensive soap making machine that melts and blends the whole thing for you. Pour into molds and you're done.

Fancy it up:

Craft stores also sell ingredients for making bath bombs, shampoo and lotion. Why not include a few in the basket with your soap?

Handmade candles

Your coworkers might also enjoy homemade scented candles. You can buy a cheap candle making machine and supplies too. The machine isn't necessary but it does make the whole process easier. Craft stores sell candle scent, wicks and colors too. Your fellow employees will be impressed with your craftiness.

Fancy it up:

Include decorative candle holders. Embellish your candles with cut outs from old Christmas cards

Fruit and nut basket

Food baskets are always a welcome Christmas gift for coworkers. Check to be sure your recipient has no nut allergies before giving this cheap ecofriendly gift. You can buy nuts in the shell by the pound at your local supermarket. Dump them into a pretty basket over fresh seasonal fruit.

Fancy it up:

Toss in a decorative nut cracker or a simple one with a bow around it. I've had my basic metal nutcracker for over 20 years. It's still going strong. Talk about sustainable!

Green your gift wrap

Fabric gift wrap pleases seamstresses.

Enhance your earth friendly lifestyle with creative ideas for gift wrap. Go green by using recyclable and reusable items to wrap presents for special occasions. Going green doesn't have to be boring, plain or ugly. These suggestions are unique and beautiful.

Newspaper as green gift wrap may seem common.

Jazz up this eco friendly gift wrap. Fill spray bottles with a food coloring and water solution in several colors. Go green and colorful by spraying newspaper for a tie dye effect.

Amp it up: Spray an old map with watered down brown acrylic to antique it.

Go green by brown bagging it with style.

A used brown paper bag becomes a work of art. Use rubber stamps, stickers, ribbon and embellishments left over from a scrap booking page, to make a creative gift bag. This gift wrap idea can be re-gifted or recycled as well.

Fabric gift wrap pleases seamstresses.

Go green by wrapping gifts in fabric for people who sew. Re-use old scraps or find a pretty clearance piece. This ecofriendly gift wrap can be turned into a usable item by a gifted seamstress.

Make a shopping/gift bag as reusable wrap.

Make a useful item such as a green shopping bag to use as a gift bag. The recipient will be delighted to get two gifts in one. Fill the shopping bag with green products for the home for a true green living gift.

A gardener might appreciate a gift of seeds in a pot.

Include tools, and other gardening supplies. Tuck them all inside a pretty flower pot. Tie a recycled fabric ribbon around the flower pot to perk it up.

A plant makes a lovely earth friendly gift that needs no wrapping.

The only wrap required is a ribbon and card. Choose a versatile green living plant that can be used indoors or out. For go green sustainability, perennials are best. For the card, use scraps from a children's art project.

Use shredded paper from the office as bag filler.

Reuse this normally wasted resource. Encourage the gift recipient to re-use or recycle the shreds to promote green living.

Make a crazy green gift wrap bow.

Tye random paper shreds together with ribbon. Just line them up on the ribbon at varying lengths. Now take the two ribbon ends and tie a knot around the paper shreds. This eco friendly bow should resemble a burst of fireworks when done.

The best way to go green with gift wrap is to save it.

Open gifts carefully. Save every ribbon, tag, wrap, bag and bow for future use. Green living means using everything to it's full potential. Even after gift wrap has reached it's limit, it may be recyclable.

Green outdoor Christmas decorating

So you want to have a green Christmas? Looking for environmentally friendly outdoor holiday decorations? Some of the best outdoor decorations for the holidays are the ones you make yourself. The right Christmas decor can make wildlife happy too. Saving energy can be fun when do it yourself ideas come into play. Making your own inexpensive decorations is all part of having a wonderful old fashioned holiday season.

Deck your trees

If you have evergreens in your front yard, decorating them for the holidays is a tradition. Why just use any decorations though? How about decorating them for the birds and squirrels? Use old fashioned popcorn chains as inexpensive decorations with an ecofriendly twist. Don't stop there. Hang pine cones filled with peanut butter, orange slices and other fruit as a treat for wildlife. No evergreens? That's OK. You can dress up the bare branches of any tree with these non-electric green decorations for the holidays or any day.

Patchwork Christmas flag

Non-electric decorations are found in stores everywhere. For instance, you can buy flags for any holiday. The problem is, they're not exactly green. Patchwork holiday flags you make yourself send the message that you believe in having a more ecofriendly Christmas. Start with a rectangular piece of an old white sheet. Use old fabric to form a picture, which you can glue or sew to your flag. Now back your picture with a second piece of sheet. Add tabs for hanging. This inexpensive decoration can be washed and reused for a green Christmas every year.

Snowmen

This is about as green as you can get. For some reason, the old tradition of snowman building doesn't seem as popular as it once was. Too bad, because these ecofriendly spontaneous outdoor holiday decorations really show the true spirit of the season. They're handmade by kids out of fun-loving holiday joy. They brighten up your lawn and the faces of everyone they greet. When they melt, they water your lawn, saving energy and water. So get out there and have a little fun with the kids making these inexpensive decorations for your green Christmas. If they melt, do it again!

Recycled wreaths

When I think of outdoor holiday decorations, there's always a welcoming wreath in the picture. You can make recycled wreaths out of a wide variety of materials for a green Christmas. Aluminum pop cans are a great example. They're green, shiny, colorful, nonelectric and completely recyclable. Crush them and string them into a circle by the pop tops. Add a pretty bow and/or some dangling Christmas bells. After the holidays, remove the string. Toss the cans into the recycle bin. Save the bells and bows for next year. Or, save the whole thing. You can't go wrong with these energy saving outdoor holiday decorations.

Go green with recycled Christmas crafts and gifts

Use the old wrap before you buy new

Christmas can be a wasteful proposition or an opportunity to make a difference. Do the world a favor Make this Christmas a low impact holiday. Create lovely, simple Christmas decorations, recycled and up-cycled crafts, gifts, decor and even Christmas cards this year. You might be surprised at how fun these green Christmas craft projects are and how beautiful they turn out.

Christmas cards.

Each year you receive Christmas cards from family and friends. Sure, you display them during the holidays. What becomes of them once the season is over? Don't throw those beautiful cards in the trash. Turn them into green Christmas crafts instead. Buy blank recycled paper cards from the craft store to decorate or use plain paper to make your own. Cut out the beautiful pictures on the cards you received from friends and family last year. Use raised glue dots from the craft store to make 3D designs on unique homemade cards for this year.

Wrapping paper.

Many people save their Christmas wrap to use again next year. It's a great way to have a greener Christmas. Why not take it a step further? Cut designs or simple shapes out of old wrapping paper to make a lovely Christmas mosaic. If you're artistic, this Christmas craft project can form a picture. If not, the random colorful shapes can be glued to recycled cardboard to make a colorful abstract design. Once your creations are done, hang them up as up-cycled holiday art. Frame them if you wish for a more finished look.

Up-cycled fabric scraps.

Can you think of a better Christmas gift than a beautiful handmade quilt? Through the ages, this traditional recycled craft has warmed heart, mind and body. Be sure to do it the old fashioned way for a truly ecofriendly Christmas. Don't buy new fabric for your green quilting project. Anyone who can stitch a straight line can make a Crazy Quilt from random fabric scraps. Sew all shapes and sizes of fabric scraps together. Use squared off pieces for the edge. Stitch your finished quilt top to an old blanket as backing for even more green power.

Up-cycled socks?

Got some well loved, colorful old socks lying around? You know the ones where the toes are full of holes but the upper part of the sock is still good? Why not try this project? Simply cut off the foot of old colorful socks. Hem them using elastic thread and you have a nice pair of leg warmers. Better yet, use several pair. Cut out horizontal sections from several different colors of sock. Sew them together with elastic thread for a striped effect. Nobody will know these gifts are made from old socks unless you tell them.

Recycling Christmas gift bags

Every year after Christmas I purchase pretty Christmas gift bags at 90% off at craft stores. Doing so prevents stores from discarding them at the end of the season. Yes, they do! Isn't that a shame? They're great for wrapping, of course. I also make Christmas gift bag crafts. These are all fun, easy and cheap crafts anyone can make using a re-purposed or clearanced Christmas gift bag.

Holiday door stop

Hold the door open in style this Christmas. Bring in shopping bag after shopping bag without having to open and close the door. The best crafts are quick and simple. Start with a brick and a lunch sack sized Christmas gift bag. Insert the brick into the bag and form fit it like you would when wrapping a gift. Now tape the gift sack onto the brick tightly where the tape won't show. Wrap a pretty ribbon around the gift bag wrapped brick as if it were a Christmas present.

Holiday door stop #2

Here's another clever and simple door stop you can make this year to brighten up your home. Use a pretty medium sized Christmas gift bag with sturdy handles for this crafts project. Fill the sack about ¼ full with play sand. Test the lifting weight. Add pretty ribbon to your Christmas gift bag door stop.Done!

Luminaria

These are always so beautiful at Christmas time. They're even more beautiful when made with a colorful printed gift bag. Trace a simple Christmas shape such as a tree onto the front of your chosen Christmas gift bag near the top of the bag. Cut out the shape. Put about 3-4 inches of sand or clean kitty litter in the bottom of the sack. Place a votive candle in the center of the sack, burying about ½ inch in the sand for stability. Line finished luminaria up on the sidewalk. Light the candles for Christmas.

Notes:

*Save the tree shaped cut-out for card or tag making.
*If you're concerned about fire, use electric tealights instead. Just remember, they're not a green option.

Fancy bag for giving baked goods

Combine a love of crafts with the joy of baking. Make this homespun looking Christmas gift bag to hold the baked goods you make as Christmas gifts. Use a Christmas gift bag with an old fashioned design for this crafts project. Purchase a pack of miniature wooden rolling pins or spoons and some gingerbread cookie cutters from a crafts store. Paint the handles of the rolling pins with red craft paint. Let dry. Dangle cutters and rolling pins/spoons from the handle of the bag using plaid ribbon to match.

Personalized memories gift bag

Make multiple copies of holiday memory photos. Glue onto each Christmas gift bag in memory book fashion. Add embellishments, paper frames, or stickers if you wish. Christmas gift tags can be added right in with the memory design. Add notes on the photos describing the memory and what it meant to you. Direct the comments to the person receiving the gift to make it more personal.

Energy efficient indoor holiday decorating

Looking for energy saving indoor holiday decorating ideas? Look no further than your own two hands. Purchasing store bought “green” decorations just wastes more energy through production and transportation costs. Handmade decorations are a better option. Go green with beautiful candles, wreaths and garlands you make yourself. Recycle everything you make after the holidays. Have a green Christmas by saving energy with these nonelectric decorations you make yourself.

Candles

You can make beautiful candles for the holidays with kits from a craft store. Store bought candles are fine, but why not go completely green? Have an old fashioned holiday. Use GMO free soy wax for these nonelectric lighting options, to make them even greener. Kits contain holiday colors such as red and green and a wide variety of scents. The flickering glow of real candlelight gives your ecofriendly Christmas an old fashioned flair. After the holidays, melt them down and make more for next year.

Do get real with the tree

Although it's true that Christmas trees must be chopped down yearly, they are both fast growing and recyclable. This makes them a renewable resource. These indoor holiday decorations aren't always inexpensive but they can be. Try using a live Christmas tree in a pot that you can re-plant in your yard as landscaping. Talk about a green Christmas. Even cut trees can be turned into mulch for next years garden. Skip the lights. Have an energy efficient Christmas.

Wreaths and garlands

The great thing about using a real tree is that you can shape the trimmed branches into indoor holiday decorations. Nothing is more inexpensive than free. Nonelectric decorations like this are great for saving energy. Making your own wreaths and garlands spreads that fresh pine smell all around the house too, just like your green Christmas tree. These inexpensive decorations are naturally green and environmentally friendly as well. Just like your green Christmas tree, they can be turned into mulch at season's end.

Recycled fabric bows

Nothing brightens up a holiday like colorful fabric bows. Instead of buying them this holiday season, why not make your own? For a green, ecofriendly Christmas use old fabric scraps. Make big bright bows to tie on stair railings, dining room chairs or anywhere you like. These nonelectric decorations will light up your home with old fashioned charm and warmth. They're inexpensive decorations and green too. You can use them year after year. When they start to fade, use the fabric as cleaning rags or recycle it for even more green value.

Simple green gifts for Christmas

Giving a green gift for Christmas is simpler than it sounds. These green Christmas gift ideas are easy to make or buy. They're inexpensive and uncomplicated. Use recycled items from your home for most of the green gift ideas suggested here. You will have to purchase the last two but they'll last for years of green gift making.

Seed paper

This is recycled paper, embedded with seeds for easy planting. Simply use shredded newspaper blended with a slight amount of water to make a pulp. Cover a baking sheet with foil or saran wrap and roll the pulp onto it evenly. Place the seeds into the pulp 2-3 inches apart. Now let the whole thing dry in the sun. Gently peel the paper off. Cut into squares for planting. Tuck each seed paper square into a starter size clay pot. Include a paper bag of soil to complete your green Christmas gift.

Crazy quilt throw

Simply sew together fabric scraps leftover from various projects. The idea is to be as random as possible and not use any new fabric. Try to end with a square shape. Take the square and put it face to face with a piece of inexpensive fleece from a fabric or craft store. Sew it together on three sides then turn right side out. Now tuck the fleece and quilt piece under on the remaining side and sew together.

Recycled candle

Melt old crayon and candle pieces together in a double boiler. Leave some in chunks for a colorful effect. Add candle scent if you wish. Pour into prepared jar to make a new candle. Prepare jar by sticking a wick holder with wick to the bottom of the jar with a teeny bit of wax. Keep the wick straight while pouring wax, by wrapping the opposite end around a pencil laid across the top of the jar. When your green Christmas gift candle is set it's ready for gift giving.

Glass bottle cutter

This handy gadget makes a useful green Christmas gift. Recipients can make used soda or other bottles into drinking glasses, vases or other glass containers by cutting around them and sanding down the edge with sandpaper. Leftover flat glass can be used for glass mosaic objects.

Aluminum can crusher

Not everyone has the space to collect aluminum cans for recycling. This green Christmas gift is for the apartment dweller who wants to do their part by recycling aluminum cans. Simply rinse and crush the cans. They'll fit in a small waste container until ready to be taken to the recycling center. Add a waste can and biodegradable plastic bags to make this green Christmas gift complete.

Cheap, easy, green Christmas tree ornaments

Christmas tree decorating the traditional old fashioned way has always included handmade inexpensive decorations. The most special ornaments on many family trees are simply made. Why not make them green too?

Decoupage mosaic for old ornaments

If you have aging ornaments that are losing their finish, why not decoupage them in a mosaic pattern with old wrapping paper scraps? Just glue paper scraps on. Let the glue dry. Now, brush with non-toxic decoupage glue. Presto, you have a beautiful recycled ornament.

Marble and wire ornaments

Recycle old marbles. These shiny gems will make your green Christmas tree sparkle. Simply spiral copper craft jewelry wire around each marble and form a hanging hook at the end. It's a Christmas craft anyone can do.

Gilded apples

You've got red artificial apples on your Christmas tree. The finish is wearing off. Recycle them with a little fresh paint. Simply hang them from your outdoor clothesline and spray them with non-toxic diluted craft paint. Or decoupage them for a unique look.

Recycled yarn ornaments

You can make over-sized string ornaments for your outdoor Christmas trees using recycled bits of leftover yarn, balloons and flour. Dip yarn pieces in flour and water. Blow up the balloons and wrap them with the wet yarn. Let dry. Pop the balloon and your green ornament is done.

Paper mache star tree toppers

Use wire from old coat hangers to make a star shape. Cut an old newspaper into strips. Dip the strips of newspaper in flour and water. Wrap them around the star shape. Let dry. Paint your recycled tree topper ornament any color you wish with non-toxic craft paint.

Barbie angels

If your child has outgrown their barbie dolls, don't throw them away. Barbie dolls make great recycled angel tree ornaments. Dress them in a fancy blouse. Use scrap fabric to make a cone shaped skirt. Spray the skirt with fabric stiffener and let dry. Now you have a green angel tree topper.

Wrapped blocks

Old wooden building blocks and recycled gift wrap become ornaments. Simply wrap the blocks as you would a present. Tie with a pretty bow for hanging.

Permanent paper snowflakes

Recycled paper snowflakes are fun to cut out and environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, they're only good for one season. How about making them more long lasting? Just hang them from the clothesline, spray with clear, non-toxic acrylic spray and let dry.

Cookies

This is one of the most green ornaments you could hang on any Christmas tree. Why? It's a no waste project. Just bake them, hang them and eat them. Don't forget to make a hole for the hanging string. Save the string for next year's cookies too.

Recycled ornament hangers.

Why buy ornament hangers for your green ornaments? You can make recycled Christmas ornament hangers easily with old paper clips. For green paperclip ornament hangers, simply unbend the paper clip and pull one stem out at an angle. Leftover yarn pieces work too. Just tie and hang.

Cheap green Christmas gifts for pets

These green Christmas gifts for pets are inexpensive and easy to make. You can re-purpose or use ecofriendly items to make special holiday treats and toys for Fido and Fluffy. Why spend a fortune on pet gifts for Christmas when you don't have to? Goodness knows, your shopping list is long enough already! And overspending is far from green.

Quick catnip toys

Use fabric scraps or cheap new fabric to make all sorts of catnip filled toys for kitty this Christmas. Be sure fabric is washed before use to remove factory pesticides. Cut into shapes, fill and sew together for quick toys. Not a seamstress? Make easy green catnip toys by laying catnip on a fabric circle. Pull up the corners. Tie a ribbon around it to keep catnip in. If kitty tears it open, don't worry. It won't harm them.

Homemade dog treats

Make your own homemade dog treats and food as low cost green Christmas gifts. Pet food recalls are scary for pet owners. Why not make your own healthy recipes and treats for Fido? There are plenty of recipes available online. Wrap them up in a pretty bow for Christmas.

Food gifts for rodents

Pets don't care if their Christmas gifts are wrapped. How about making your pet rodent a special salad or meal for Christmas? Why shouldn't pets have a holiday meal? This inexpensive gift for pets is simple to make. Not sure what fresh food and nuts are safe for your pet rodent? Check with your vet to be safe.

Gifts for the birds

Birds like Christmas gifts too. Check your bird manual to see what treats are appropriate for their breed. Don't forget the outdoor birdies! Pine cones can be spread with peanut butter and rolled in seeds as a cheap Christmas gift. Hang fruit slices up in trees or bird cages as edible holiday decor.

Cat grass

Grass is green in more ways than one. You can buy small "patches" of cat grass in the pet store for kitty this Christmas. This is an awesome inexpensive pet gift. Indoor cats will love having their own little grass patch. Consider making a larger patch using a cardboard flat, some soil and seed. Check with the pet store to see which seed is best for kitty tummies.

Pull rope

A tug of war rope for dogs makes an excellent green Christmas gift. Simply braid several strands of organic cotton rope together. Knot at the ends. Homemade stuffed toys for doggies can be made from scrap fabric and a little stuffing. Keeps puppies from chewing up shoes, toys, slippers and the couch.

Mitten toy

Here's a fun Christmas gift for pets. Use an old winter glove whose mate is lost.

For dogs, stuff with fabric and sew up the opening.

For kitties, sew dangling items from each finger. Use yarn, jingle bells or whatever else your kitty might enjoy playing with. Slip the glove on your hand and wiggle your fingers to make dangling items entice kitty.

Paper, plastic or pillowcase

Plastic bags are becoming an epidemic.

• They make their home under the kitchen sinks of millions of Americans.
• They drift down the street like lone ghosts and roost in the trees.
• They float along in scenic streams and rivers all across the country.
• They are not alive yet seemingly multiply.
• They fly out of city dumpsters in massive swarms to overtake the world.

The plastic bags epidemic is spreading.

• It must be wiped out at all cost.
• The solution is within our grasp.
• Plastic bags are taking over.
• We must take drastic steps to fight this epidemic while we can.

Some cities are banning disposable plastic bag use.

What can you do if yours isn't one of them?

Return all plastic bags.

Gather all remains. Root them out from under the sinks and hiding holes of thy habitat and return them to the originators of this tragic epidemic. Proceed in a gleeful manner to the source of the epidemic with said plastic bags. Greet these persons with care, lest they not accept the plastic bags which have been so diligently collected. Lest ye forget, many fair vendors do offer monies in exchange for the return of their plastic bags.

Rebel against the retail gods.

Be heard by the leaders of the epidemic. Break out of the plastic bags mold. Just say no to bringing home more plastic bags. Cease adding to the supply by stopping the demand. Curtail the endless plastic bag pollution that hath scathed the nation. Cry out against evil plastic bags conspirators. 

Say boldly unto them, "No thank you for I have brought my own bag, kind sir or madame, and I intend to use it against this outrageous epidemic!"

Choose an alternative.

Anything that holds purchases and carries easily may be utilized as a plastic bag substitute. A box, a carton, or a pillowcase. Take thy pillowcase to the store rather than spreading the plastic bags epidemic. Make a fool of yourself but stop this ridiculousness before it stops you. Frequent establishments where cloth bags can be purchased and used repeatedly. Make thine own bag using old blue jeans or by tying together a sweat shirt. Do anything man, time is of the essence.

Shop proudly with your new bag.

Hold your head high in the aisles of the finest shopping establishments. Wave your knotted sweatshirt with pride as you boldly fight this sad epidemic. Sneer and chuckle at the plastic bag people. Thou art far superior. Nod to the clerk as you proudly submit your pillowcase to be filled to overflowing. Sleep easily tonight my friend, for the plastic bags epidemic has been swiftly averted.

What the heck is a green hoarder? Are you one?

Is it even possible to hoard and still be green? Well, that depends on what you are hoarding. If you're into purses for all occasions, that's not very green. If you buy what you hoard by conventional means, you're just adding to the waste. On the other hand, if your hoarding involves one of the items below, you might just be a green hoarder.

Do you hoard construction site leftovers?

If so, you're a green hoarder. Your yard may be a mess. Still, the next time you need to replace something on or in your home, you won't have to buy it new. This habit is even more environmentally friendly when you share with others. Why keep it all to yourself? You can prevent a lot of unnecessary waste by saving and/or sharing leftover construction materials.

Do you shop yard sales to feed your hoarding habit?

Are half the dishes in your kitchen from yard sales? Do you accumulate long lasting, high quality items like cast iron pots and pans from estate sales? Do you look for used items before paying retail? Hoarding only used items means you've taken yourself out of the supply/demand cycle.
Manufacturers generate less waste and use less resources when we consume less.

Do you hoard recyclables?

If so, you are among the best of all possible green hoarders. Rather than creating waste, you're saving the earth from piles upon piles of trash. Recycling is not only an Eco-friendly practice, it's wallet friendly too. Your garage may be a disaster in between trips to the recycler, but your collection is as green as it gets.

Craigslist and Freecycle provide plenty of green hoarding opportunities.

Learn to love the free section of Craigslist. Once again, you're sending a message to manufacturers to produce less, or at least, not more. If you weed out the spam and businesses, you can find good quality used items for sale too. The only drawback to this green hoarding opportunity is, you have to be fast. That free stuff gets snapped up like hotcakes on National Pancake Day.

Are you a dumpster diving hoarder?

Be cautious. Dumpster diving is illegal in some places. If not, go ahead and do all the dumpster diving you can. It's surprising what people throw away. You might find recyclables or just nice used items. Some department stores toss returned items frequently. Some people even dumpster dive for food. That's not my cup of tea, but who am I to judge?

So, yes, there is such a thing as green hoarding. You can be a green hoarder if you hoard used environmentally safe products. You'll notice, however, that I didn't say anything about hoarders being neat and clean. Most aren't. But hey, there are always exceptions. Who knows? You could be the first, cleanest, greenest, neat freak hoarder ever.

Green alternatives to a grass lawn

Pretty perennials like this Jasper's Beard save water!

What's the big deal about having a grass lawn anyway? I see a lot of media emphasis placed on having a lush, green grass lawn. Most of it stems from companies trying to sell you chemical fertilizers and pesticides. No thank you! There are plenty of alternatives to a green lawn that won't impact future generations negatively. If you can grow a green lawn without chemical usage, you have my blessing. As for me, I'm seeking some other options to save both water and the environment.

Do you really need all that grass in the back yard?

When we moved into our fixer upper, we were faced with a huge yard filled with native weeds. We made a decision to gradually rid ourselves of the “lawn”, one project at a time. It's going to be a long process. Right now we have an area of raised bed/bucket gardens, a fire-pit area started in one corner and a hugelkultur. In the middle is an area of weedy lawn. As we progress, the weedy area will become paths through some pretty garden beds and features.

What are some ideas for the front lawn, that don't involve grass?

Here in Denver, we use something called Xeriscaping.

It's a technique where native plants abound. The idea is to plant flowers, herbs and other natives that use less water as an alternative to a green lawn. The plants are scattered among rocks and other interesting landscaping features. I've seen some truly original lawns since moving to Denver. That alone is reason to consider this option.

You can grow organic veggies in the front yard.

Some municipalities frown on this practice, while others sing it's praises. Get around the naysayers by scattering your veggies in flower beds. They'll blend right in. I know one local gardener who encourages her neighbors to help themselves to her front yard veggies. She has a garden in the back for just her family. I love her idea! I'm going to try to incorporate it into my next project.

I'm a big fan of English gardens.

Unfortunately, the climate here is semi-arid. We don't get the rain they do in England. Most traditional English garden flowers require more water than I can afford to give them. So, I've come up with a great idea for my front yard. I'm going to try mixing Xeriscape with English garden style and small grassy areas for something totally unique.

What if you really love your grassy green lawn?

Maybe you have future football players in your family. Maybe you just love the look. Whatever your reason for keeping your grassy lawn, you can do it in an ecofriendly way. Start by checking your local home improvement store for non-chemical fertilizers and pesticides. You can also plant grasses or stepable plants that use less water.

Having a green lawn doesn't necessarily mean you must have conventional grass or use chemicals and tons of water to maintain it. When it comes to a fabulous lawn and garden, you can go green and still have it all.

Are fabric toxins lurking in your kids' clothes and bedding?

Sadly, even natural fabrics can be treated with toxins.

What are your kids' clothes made of? Could they be toxic? How do you clean them? Do you bleach your kids' bedding to keep it germ free? If so, your kids could be breathing and absorbing toxins as they sleep. Are fabric toxins lurking in your kids' rooms, either on or in clothes and bedding? Here's how to be safe when choosing and caring for your kids' clothing and linens.

Your kids' clothing may be chemically treated.

Today's clothing industry often adds pesticide and stain repellant to textiles. This is true, whether we are talking about blue jeans or bed sheets. In addition, fire resistant chemicals are routinely used in sleepwear and more. Kids with sensitive skin may react to the chemicals in new clothing. As for the rest, they are still exposed through skin absorption.

What to do:

*Wash new clothing several times before use.

*If reactions still occur, soak in lemon juice and water to detoxify. Then rinse thoroughly.

Wash kids' clothes and bedding with care.

Most conventional detergents, bleaches and stain removers contain highly toxic chemicals. Because of its' toxicity, chlorine bleach is one of the worst things you can use on your kids' clothing. For years we have been taught this is the best way to kill germs. Actually, there are other ways to wash, disinfect and bleach clothing without using chemicals.

What to do:

*Avoid dry clean only fabrics. The conventional dry cleaning process involves chemical washing.

*Wash clothes with vinegar and baking soda.

*Bleach clothing with lemon juice and hydrogen peroxide.

*Disinfect clothing with thyme extract. This is made by seeping thyme in clear vodka.

Which fabrics are most likely to contain chemical residues?

Synthetic fabrics are actually chemically produced. Some are not fabric at all, but different forms of plastics made with a petroleum base. You best bet is to purchase natural fiber fabrics such as cotton and wool. It's important to remember, not all natural fabrics are free from chemical treatment. In fact, a great deal of the cotton fabric available has been heavily treated with pesticides.

What to do:

Be sure the natural fabrics you buy for your family are labeled 100% organic.

Kids' room carpeting likely contains toxins.

The majority of carpeting in homes is made from synthetic materials. In order to insure easy clean up, most carpet is treated with stain resistant chemicals. Some carpet is treated with fire resistant chemicals as well. Between the make up of the carpet and all these added chemicals, that makes carpeting a real health hazard. When kids walk on the carpet in their rooms, particularly if it's new carpet, these chemicals can be transported into their bedding via their clothing.

What to do:

*Opt for tile or untreated hardwoods.

*Use organic natural fiber throw rugs.