Go green for a thrifty holiday season

WSU Wahkiakum County Extension

Nationwide, people are feeling the pinch this year, but WSU Wahkiakum County Extension offers some tips in keeping the spirit of giving while caring for the environment. Simplifying the holidays in everything from gifts to wrapping paper can take the focus off spending money, while giving gifts your family and friends truly need.

Instead of buying and throwing away wrapping paper each year, recycle gift bags or use your Sunday comics. Also, paper grocery bags can be turned inside out and stamped with little ones’ handprints, or with your own holiday stamp from a potato. This can be a fun family activity and add meaning to even the most modest gift.

Giving gifts from the heart and aimed at needs rather than wants keeps your gifts and wrapping from being just more “stuff,” or headed for the landfill.

“Going green is the whole idea of being aware of what your needs are and the difference between needs and wants. Just think about what is really important,” says Kathy Prochaska-Cue, a family economist for University of Nebraska Extension.

Do you have a friend that loves her morning mocha? Find a nice mug at a discount store, tie a bow around the handle, and include a jar of instant mocha mix made from your own kitchen.

Each year, through 4-H and the Food Sense nutrition education program, Extension helps families make low-cost, homemade gifts. These homemade gifts take little to make, but show lots of love. Last week, 15 youth in Carol Ervest’s Dip ‘N’ Dots 4-H Club at Naselle Grays-River School made a variety of gifts from the kitchen.

For help or questions, call the Extension office at 795-3278 or ask a local 4-H youth or leader.