Greening the Generations: 'Ho ho ho' or 'No no no?'

BILLY: Ah, Christmas. For every "Ho ho ho," the planet moans back, "No no no!" But in this post, meet the elves of energy efficiency and green giving!

GREG: Aw, wow, Billy, are you offering to offset my entire holiday plans? Including my trip to see my pen pal in Tokyo? Well, maybe that is too much to ask, but would it be rude to inquire what kind of sustainable present you bought me this year?

BILLY: With all the pen pal, grandma and other trips, plus the lights, wrapping paper and petroleum-based gifts, Christmas is a steep climate change challenge. No hint on your present ('cause I still have no clue), but count on grocery bag wrapping paper made fancy and hip by a bow created from old VHS tape. Any hints on what I can do to green my Christmas tree?

GREG: Well, you could take a whole new look at the idea of the Christmas tree. Get rid of that old fashioned Christmas tree stand in favor of a pot and roots...and dirt. Why cut down a tree when you can have a live one right there in your living room that you can then take outside, re-plant and enjoyed for years to come!

Replant your Christmas tree.

And, as always, think LED when it comes to making that tree sparkle.

BILLY: Good point. Rudolph, the little power hog, needs a new LED nose. Also, purge the plastic decorations and learn to love pine cones and natural branches.

GREG: Enough with the nature – my special someone may be a little disappointed this year with all of the tools for a compost pile. Do you know of any fun, romantic gifts that really hold the spirit of the season?

BILLY: Jeez, your special someone has suffered sooo much with you (remember the ill-fated soybean sundress you gave her last summer??!!) She deserves something cool. Try Rosy Revolver – funky jewelry crafted here in Raleigh from reclaimed stuff ... even old door knobs!

Plus, give CONSUMABLES ... Tickets to the movies or your fave local hardcore band. A home made delicacy. A self-penned certificate for a foot massage or mud wrestling match. Anything that doesn't pile up. We gotta break the 'stuff' addiction.

GREG: And duh, what are we thinking ... mistletoe. Very green. Very romantic.

BILLY: And if the right person's involved, no need to turn up the thermostat to warm up! Merry Christmas!