Reduce waste by calling the toll-free numbers on unwanted holiday catalogs and having your name taken off of their mailing lists. You can also visit www.CatalogChoice.org or www.GreenDimes.com.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Getting off junk mail lists to save paper, trees, and our climate.

Reduce party waste by choosing reusables instead of single use plates and utensils when hosting your holiday party. After your holiday party, recycle your bottles and cans.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Using reusable or biodegradable products instead of disposables for my holiday party.
• Setting up recycling bins at my holiday parties.

Give teachers, coworkers, and friends edible gifts, plants, or gift certificates instead of "stuff" that will get stuck in a drawer somewhere.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Giving four gifts of plants or food instead of buying other items.
• Giving three gifts of time (for example, certificates for 'ukulele lessons, concert tickets, or a massage) instead of buying items.

Start eco-friendly traditions. For example, when you go out caroling in your neighborhood, take an empty trash bag and pick up any litter you see along the way.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Starting an eco-friendly holiday tradition.

Reuse wrapping paper and bows or try repurposing newspapers, brown paper bags, maps, or art work to make your own unique, eco-friendly packages. Reusable grocery bags are also a good gift-wrapping option, and then it's a gift inside a gift.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Reusing materials like newspaper, paper bags, maps, etc., for gift wrapping
• Packaging gifts in reusable bags.

Use energy efficient LED lights to light up your home or tree.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Using energy-efficient LED Christmas lights to decorate my home or tree.

Cut out pictures and messages from last year's cards, and then put them together to create brand new cards for this year.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Creating holiday cards from reusable materials or sending paperless greetings via e-mail.

Instead of exchanging gifts with all of your friends and family, consider drawing names and participating in a "Secret Santa" gift swap.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Organizing a "Secret Santa" gift exchange, instead of buying gifts for all of my friends, family, coworkers, etc.

Give reusable or homemade gifts. Shop for gently used gifts at thrift shops or on-line at www.Craigslist.org or www.Freecycle.org. Give gifts of time like certificates for a massage or a car wash. Treat a loved one to 'ukulele lessons or tickets to a sporting or cultural event.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Making three holiday gifts instead of buying new items.
• Shopping for gently used gifts instead of buying new items.
• Giving three gifts of time (for example, certificates for 'ukulele lessons, concert tickets, or a massage) instead of buying items.

When shopping for holiday food and gifts, try to plan ahead and consolidate trips in order to save fuel and reduce pollution. Also, don't forget to take along your reusable cloth grocery bags to use instead of the disposable ones!

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Combining errands to use less fuel.
• Taking my own reusable bag for all shopping purposes.

During the holiday season the most rewarding gift of all is giving back to your community. Make it a family tradition to donate to or volunteer for charitable causes during the holidays.

• I will simplify the holidays by...
• Making at least one donation to a local non-profit on behalf of friends and family.
• Giving three needed items to less fortunate families (e.g., donate items to food drives, Toys for Tots, Salvation Army's Angel Tree program, Lokahi Tree, etc.)
• Volunteering at least three hours of my time during the holiday season.

• Join Kanu - Connect me with Kanu Hawai'i, a network of people working to make Hawai'i a model of sustainability and strong community for the world through their pledges.


• Join KHF Mailing List - Yes, sign me up for the Kokua Hawaii Foundation Mailing List so I can receive further information on how I can Simplify My Holiday.

Kanu Hawaii is a social movement rooted in island values. Join the thousands of people who participate in making Hawaii a better place. View their Simplify the Holidays page to see how other Kanu members are making a difference this holiday season.

Please visit the Kokua Hawaii Foundation's Educator and Family Resource pages for more Simplify the Holidays tips for your keiki, including our Children's Book List for a list of Simplify the Holiday themed books.

The Center for the New American Dream offers tips and solutions to reduce stress and increase your personal fulfillment this holiday season. Download their Simplify the Holidays guide or go to their site and sign up for an Alternative Gift Registry and Simplify the Holidays guide.

The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

Green Holiday Tips from the Sierra Club provides a few great green tips for the holidays, as well as a link to a green gift idea list.

Season's Greenings National Geographic's Green Guide provides information for a greener holiday, such as answers for the great debate, live tree or artificial?

Travel Tips for a Green Christmas The Alternative Consumer provides information on how to make your Christmas travels green! From carbon-offset links to a link for green hotels, this short article is full of great information.

How to have a 'green' Christmas Fun ideas and links for a green Christmas, as well as a spot for your own ideas!