The holiday season is the busiest time of the year for some people. All the planning, shopping, traveling, and other preparations can be stressful. Aside from cooking, hosting a dinner might mean decorating your home. Creating your own decorations can be a simple, fun way of relieving some holiday stress. It can also save you some money. And reusing and recycling helps the environment!

Here are some ways to be green during the holiday season.

• If you’re looking for natural trees or wreaths, the Puget Sound Fresh program has a list of local tree farms.
• Use LED lights or solar powered lights.
• Make your own wreaths.
• Gather simple materials like Popsicle sticks, glue and glitter to make your own Star of David.
• Engage the young children in the house in making a menorah from recycled cardboard tubes. Instructions here!
• Buy menorahs made from recycled materials.

Once you’ve celebrated,  recycle the holidays.

• Recycle your wrapping paper in your home recycling container. Make sure large pieces of tape are removed.
• Recycle your electronics. Find a location at the Take it Back Network.
• Leftover used oil? Recycle it! There are cooking oil recycling locations around King County.
• Recycle your lights. Ask your retailer if they will accept your old lights or visit these locations.
• Recycle your tree.
• Fragile gifts come with loads of Styrofoam. Recycle it!