An NFL Nut.

Football stuff.

Snowflake Friend

Seasons Greenings - Suggestions For A More Eco-friendly Holiday Season

For those not familiar with the term "green" it refers to an item that is natural, organic or environmentally friendly.

As you can imagine, we produce tons of waste during and after the holiday season. Let us show some compassion on the environment during this season of compassion! Here are a few ways we can reduce waste, help protect the environment and enjoy a "greener" Christmas:

Christmas tree

• Rather than buying a tree to be thrown away, purchase a large potted plant or small tree that can be used each year as your "evergreen" Christmas tree.

• Purchase an artificial tree that can be reused for many years.

• Purchase your evergreen from a tree farm as these trees are renewable.

Christmas décor

• Make a homemade wreath using branches trimmed from your garden.

• Rather than purchase outdoor décor, decorate the trees and bushes in your yard with homemade décor that will survive a few weeks of winter weather.

• Purchase handmade décor made from recycled or eco-friendly materials.

• Fair trade crafts are a great way to support the disadvantaged. While some of these crafts may not be from recycled materials they provide much needed income to needy individuals.

Christmas tree ornaments

• Make homemade ornaments from fruit, dried Indian corn, (painted) pinecones, dough, painted eggshells, crushed (colored) aluminum foil, paper chains, paper snowflakes, small stuffed animals, old CDs and more!

• Decorate a doll as an angel.

• Do an online search for recycled or homemade tree ornaments for numerous ideas.

• Purchase recycled or eco-friendly tree ornaments such as the vegetable ivory - tagua nut tree ornaments.

Gift wrap

• Collect extra photocopies or no longer needed papers from your business for your children to draw on the back side.

• Use colored pictures from your children's coloring books.

• Save the comic section each week to build up a collection of colorful Wrapping Paper.

• Use leftover pieces of fabric or wallpaper.

• Use recycled paper.

• Put the gift inside another gift such as a piece of Tupperware, decorative tin, nice wooden box, baking pan, wrapped in a towel, etc.

• Use last season's gift wrap, gift bags and gift boxes, ribbon and bows.

Greeting cards & gift tags

• Send an e-card.

• Make a greeting card or tag from scrap paper, fabric or wallpaper.

• For short messages use a large leaf or flat stone.

• Make cards or tags from pieces of a tissue or food box.

Packing material

• Use saved packing material such as peanuts and foam wrap.

• Crush up newspaper into loose balls. This is cheap, quick and lightweight! This is our preferred method for box filler. It is also fun for your relatives, friends and customers to see a newspaper from another city.

• Purchase biodegradable peanuts.

• Use dry air popcorn. By the way there is no need to salt it! (Popcorn popped in oil will obviously make a mess and go right through your box!) Include a note for the recipient to feed it to neighborhood squirrels and birds or whatever creatures lurk in the night!

• If you have too many peanuts then give them to a business that can use them. Call 1-800-828-2214 or visit loosefillpackaging.com for information on businesses willing to take your used peanuts.

Once the relatives go home and the kids return to school...

• Are you overwhelmed with gift boxes and regular boxes? After (breaking down and) putting away as many as you can for future use, give away the rest to friends or a business or tear or cut them up for kindling for the fireplace or for your charcoal grill.

• Find out your township's pick up schedule for trees. They will turn your trees into mulch for use in parks and public gardens. If you need mulch for your own garden check into having your tree and any other cuttings from your yard turned into mulch for your own use.

• Use any wrapping paper that is no longer reusable for shelf liners, scratch paper or craft projects.

• Save boxes, gift bags, wrapping, filler, ribbons and bows for shipping, gift wrapping, craft projects and even storage containers.

Don't forget to share this information with others!

Have a merry green Christmas!

About the Author

Ron Askotzky is co-founder of Wow! Imports, importing fair trade and earth friendly decor, gifts and collectibles including tagua nut tree ornaments from the rainforest of Ecuador & beaded tree ornaments made by disadvantaged African artisans

How can I make this better?

Then the wind began to pick up, lifting the snow that was already on the ground into a plume of snowflakes. Max and his friends could feel the temperature plunge ten degrees lower. The clouds above began to look dark and restless as they rapidly moved across the sky.

The wind picked up, lifting the snow on the ground into a swirl of snowflakes. Max and his friends could feel the temperature plunge, perhaps ten degrees. The clouds darkened and appeared restless as they moved across the sky.

snowflake ball #2

Purdue Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Pittsburgh Steelers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Oklahoma Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Ohio State Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Ottawa Senators Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Philadelphia Eagles Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Philadelphia Flyers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Cleveland Browns Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Pittsburgh Penguins Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Cleveland Indians Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Colorado Avalanche Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

South Carolina Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Colorado Rockies Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Seattle Mariners Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Alabama Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Philadelphia Phillies Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Pittsburgh Pirates Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Seattle Seahawks Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Arizona Cardinals Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Buffalo Bills Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Arizona Diamondbacks Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Florida State Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Michigan State Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Arizona Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Georgia Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Carolina Hurricanes Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Milwaukee Brewers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Dallas Cowboys Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Kansas State Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Calgary Flames Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Buffalo Sabres Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Tennessee Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Arkansas Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Carolina Panthers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Minnesota Twins Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Dallas Stars Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Kentucky Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Minnesota Vikings Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Houston Astros Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Chicago Bears Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Atlanta Braves Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Minnesota Wild Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Denver Broncos Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Atlanta Falcons Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Detroit Lions Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Atlanta Thrashers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Houston Texans Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Auburn Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Chicago Blackhawks Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Chicago Cubs Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Texas Rangers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Nashville Predators Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Baltimore Orioles Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Texas Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

LSU Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Indianapolis Colts Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Detroit Tigers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Montreal Canadiens Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Baltimore Ravens Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Tennessee Titans Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

North Carolina Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Duke Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Cincinnati Reds Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Miami Dolphins Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Cincinnati Bengals Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Boston Bruins Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Edmonton Oilers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Florida Panthers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Clemson Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Oakland Raiders Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Washington Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Washington Redskins Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Oakland Athletics Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Florida Marlins Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Jacksonville Jaguars Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Miami Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Florida Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Wisconsin Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

San Diego Chargers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

San Francisco 49ers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

San Francisco Giants Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Boston Red Sox Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

San Jose Sharks Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

St Louis Blues Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

New Jersey Devils Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Columbus Blue Jackets Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

St Louis Rams Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Kansas City Chiefs Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

St Louis Cardinals Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Kansas City Royals Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

New Orleans Saints Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Mighty Ducks of Anaheim Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Tampa Bay Rays Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

New York Giants Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

New York Islanders Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Green Bay Packers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

New York Jets Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Los Angeles Angels Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Los Angeles Dodgers Snowflake Friend $29.99 Each Snowflake Friend is dressed in official team colors and features the official logo. No fan's home would be complete this holiday season without one of these festive plush snow friends! Measures 22".

Tags: blue, mic, snowflake, snowflake friend poem, snowflake friendship poem, wishlist

This entry was posted on Monday, August 31st, 2009 at 3:03 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.