Ever year, I hear people complain that the holidays have become too materialistic. I think it’s true, and not only because the whole holiday season has taken on a “keeping up with the Joneses” kind of vibe. Also because the idea of waste and excess goes against everything I believe the holiday season stands for. Christmas should be a time to embrace family and friends, help others and reflect on ways we can do our part to improve the world. Christmas should be the green holiday.

So here are some ideas to help you reduce, reuse and recycle this Christmas.

10 Ways to Have a Greener Christmas

Re-think re-gifting. No matter what Jerry Seinfeld says, re-gifting is okay. If you’ve received a gift that you really don’t need, re-gifting makes perfect sense. Look for ways you can reuse an unneeded gift by passing it on to someone who can use it. You don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings, so re-gift with care and consideration. But keeping a gift you don't need is wasteful.

Buy Less. It’s the though that counts, remember? Not all gifts have to be purchased. Homemade gifts can show your thoughtfulness.

Shop together. My friends and I do this every year. We car-pool! We make a day of going Christmas shopping together. First we hit the local holiday marketplace, then the farmer’s market and grab lunch. We spend the afternoon walking around the local shops we all love. Going shopping together not only saves fuel, it’s a fun way to enjoy the season with people you care about.

Go the Secret Santa route. If you have a long gift list for family members, why not divide it up? Write names on individual slips of paper and put into a hat or basket, then take turns drawing names. The name you draw is your gift recipient. Keep your chosen name a secret until the gift exchange to maintain the element of surprise.

Keep it local. Check out local craft fairs and holiday marketplaces to find local or handmade treasures. You’ll feel good about giving something unique and special that comes without any unnecessary transportation costs.

Click here to read Ideas #5 through 10