THE DIRT
Christmas can be a time of rash overconsumption.  Our choice of food, drinks, gifts and decorations can leave a trail of negative environmental consequences.

Fortunately there are a great deal of little things we can all do to make this Christmas a 'Green' one, here are just some suggestions;

Christmas Tree
Opt for a 'Christmas tree' from your garden; a potted tree that you can bring indoors for the holiday period is a wonderful start. Our annual Christmas holiday at Rottnest Island, starts with a search for a 'good looking' dead tree branch. We jazz it up with some decorations - instant eco - christmas tree!

The Green Gift
Kris Kringle, is a great way to ensure that each person gets one really good gift rather than 6 or so cheap gimmicks that are likely to end up in landfill before the following Christmas. There are some incredible luxury eco-gifts available - so try something that is good for the receiver, the giver and the planet!

The Christmas Kitchen
Reduce the financial and environmental cost of Christmas by cooking, rather than purchasing,  your christmas goodies. Try to purchase Organic ingredients, which are good for you and have a low environmental impact .  See our BLOG for some great recipe ideas, turn on the stereo and get cooking!

Decorating
Stylish Christmas Decor need not break the bank. Start collecting wine, beer and olive oil bottles now,  paint them white (with a non-toxic paint!) and fill them with water and kangaroo paws (or other bright flowers from your garden). Place them in clumps around the house for great effect. For sit down meals - potted herbs make an interesting centre piece that allows your guests to 'self garnish'.

G SPOT
Gina was recently interviewed by WA Woman online magazine, click here to download the magazine and read the article.


COME CLEAN

Check out these sites for some green gift ideas......

Biome has Christmas wrapped up (in recycled paper) with organic, fair trade and eco gifts that won't blow your conscience.  Biome's new catalogue makes choosing even easier.  CleanLife subscribers receive FREE* shipping in Australia (valued at $9.95) until 30 November. *You must use the code CLEANFREE at Checkout and it excludes any order with cleaning/laundry products - but who's cleaning at Christmas?

Margaret River Hemp Co offer a great range of environmental clothing  for adults and kids, luxury hemp linens, bags and accessories and shoes. Hemp is great for skin too, so try the  natural skin, hair and body care products that are suitable for the whole family. Gift vouchers are also available - a great choice for those fussy family members.

Give the gift of Xquisit Organics this Christmas. A wholesome natural organic alternative to synthetic skincare. Offering products for both men and women.Visit  www.xquisit.com.au  to place your order, mention "Clean Life" and it will be gift wrapped and sent directly to your door. 

In the UK check out the wonderful Tree2mydoor.com

In the US try Eco-artware for some very unique gifts made from recycled materials.

Check our Come Clean Archive for previous tips.

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