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Christmas can really separate the grumpy, green, Grinch-like environmentalists from the festive, red-and-green, Earth-loving elves of generosity among us. The Grinch is the one calculating the elf’s coal use while watching him string up Christmas lights (you’ll see which one I am below). As a business owner, you’ll certainly want to celebrate Christmas with your employees and customers. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for businesses to get into the holiday spirit sustainably, inexpensively and merrily.

Send E-Cards
Show trees the same love you show your clients and employees by sending e-cards instead of paper ones. It’s cheaper, saves forests and sends the same message (let’s face it, they are going to throw it away anyway). Address some free e-cards today at American Greeting, tomorrow at Blue Mountain and the next day at 123Greetings.

Turn Off the Lights
Save the world from climate change while saving money on your electric bills by not putting up Christmas lights this year. I know, bah humbug, but it’s not a winter wonderland. It’s an office (you got me, I’m an eco-Grinch). Anyway, would you rather have snowflakes or lights every year? Because, if global warming is allowed to proceed unabated, soon there may be no more snow.

You could even turn your “no lights” policy into a marketing opportunity. Post a sign saying that you are helping to reduce global warming by leaving off the Christmas lights. Your eco-conscious customers will take note. If your employees doth protest too much, compromise with some solar-powered outdoor lights or at least switch to low-watt LEDs.

Green the Refreshments
Look for local, vegetarian or vegan and organic food and drink. Consider serving using reusable plates and cups, or at least biodegradable dishware.

Shrink the Gift Exchange
Convince the staff to minimize the purchase of “stuff” with a white elephant gift exchange or “secret Santa” trade. Require employees to make their gifts used but in like-new condition.

Give Events, Not Things
Few people need more stuff, but most people could use a night at the movies, a haircut, a massage or a restaurant dinner. Living green doesn’t have to mean sitting in a dark, cold house eating lentils. We’re allowed to have fun, too. We just don’t have to accumulate more objects to do it.

See, I’m not a total Grinch. I’m all for parties, decorations, cards and gifts as long as they’re done sustainably. Employees and customers are more eco-conscious than ever before and will appreciate your efforts. Be eco-conscious, be creative, have fun and have a happy holiday season!

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