Western Pennsylvania artist Stewart Webb has updated vintage Art Deco design with a thoroughly future-forward “eco” ethos.  His “technomontage” jewelry and objects for the home are crafted using repurposed high tech materials.  If the towering skyscraper, the glint of a fast-moving train, or the sleek veneer of an automobile were once absorbed by Art Deco design, Webb’s point of focus is the technology of today’s generation: hardware for computers and electronics, and the products of the aerospace and military industries.  These modern-day technological parts come together in jewelry, clocks, sculpture, and light fixtures that simulate traditional decorative materials, such as pearls, gemstones, enamels, and precious metals.  Whereas Art Deco’s structured forms and materials once celebrated a forward march of confident progress and the might of the machine-age, Webb’s artwork represents a more critical look at the double edged sword of the impact of modern technology on the environment and our society.  With so many creative initiatives focused on organic materials, Webb’s art lends perspective on mitigating the environmental damage of technology.

Thinking in Reverse

“Demanufacturing”, or taking things apart, is an integral part of Webb’s creative process.  Webb, who is dyslexic, believes it contributes to his proclivity for doing things in reverse.  He also has always been curious about the mechanics of how things work.  Webb sees a need for taking responsibility for our technological footprint on the environment, and, as he put it in a recent interview “getting back to something that nature can cope with”.  In a world where the majority of us, for example, use a computer as well as travel in cars and planes, there is a need for better solutions for disposing of technological waste that usually ends up in landfills or is incinerated.  Yet, as Webb knows well, thinking backward in order to dissassemble technology “in an intense going back to nature” is seemingly without end or dissolution.  Webb’s deconstruction of technology into a decorative, repurposed artform certainly questions our ability to “undo” technology as well as the fine line between creation and destruction in our orientation toward the direction of true progress.

The creative potential of thinking retrogressively has also informed the thinking of other contemporary artists, such as the Dutch Ursus Wehrli’s “Tidying up art” projects.  Wehrli’s “tidying” of the materials and visual forms of modern art reflects a similar fascination with origins and psychological reversals.  A temporal idea of a turn in direction, and even an unscrewing, is pervasive in creative efforts to green our habits and safeguard our natural resources by taking a step backward to go forward.

Human Versus Machine

Webb notes that whereas electronics are simply either “on or off”, our human condition is a state of grey.”  People are much more complex since we can be just fractionally more or less alive.  Donning a bit of Arteco jewelry certainly seems to turn on the bad-ass Terminator cyborg or more friendly R2D2 robot inside of us.  Turn on, as in flipping a switch, is the right word to describe the kind of synergy implied by wearing on our bodies techie bits that were once plugged in, zapped, and otherwise activated.

Webb’s description of his design in terms of biomechanics further reveals his humanism.  He likens the structured, regimented shapes of Art Deco, which he employs, to the steady heartbeat of the body.  He also relates the circuitry and creativity of the brain to the tech materials he manipulates, which, under magnification, reveal ever-expansive, geometric fractals.  A consideration of the physical relationship between living beings and machines is also evident in his observation on shelf life: “biological things wear out, mechanical things don’t.”

Like Polish Art Deco painter Tamara de Lempicka’s (1898-1980) paintings of machine-like babes of yesterday, Arteco engages in a new relationship to technology for T-Ec[h]-o-Chicks of today.

These days, it can be dangerous to attempt to navigate the toxic waters of the beauty industry on your own. There’s trouble at every turn – neurotoxins, hormone disruptors and other baddies cloaked in innocuous-sounding alternate names abound in practically every product you pick up at the store. While some of us might have already memorized the list of dangerous ingredients to avoid in cosmetics and personal care products, not everyone has the time for such things. That’s one reason ‘The Green Beauty Guide’ by Julie Gabriel is a great companion to have when shopping.

In every chapter you’ll also find her ‘green product guide’, where she names specific products and rates them with between one and three leaf icons to indicate how green/natural they are and gives a brief description of what’s in them and how well they work.

Then there are all the recipes. Gabriel gives you the ultimate way to avoid all the nasty stuff that lurks in those store-bought bottles and jars: instructions for making your own products. She has provided recipes for practically everything you can think of, from natural sun protection oils to deodorizing foot spray.

Here’s a sample:

Manicure in a Jar

½ cup organic brown sugar
½ cup grape seed oil
5 drops vanilla extract
2 drops lavender essential oil
1 drop sandalwood essential oil

Combine the ingredients in a small bowl and transfer to a wide-necked jar so you can dip your fingers into the mix. Do just that: one by one, dip your fingertips into the jar, massaging the sugary mixture gently into cuticles and knuckles, wave hands gently to please your senses (the scent is lovely!), and briskly immerse your hands in warm water to remove excess oil.

‘The Green Beauty Guide’ is a fun-to-read, in-depth manual to selecting products and making your own. Gabriel doesn’t just tell you what to avoid and why – she tells you what to use instead and how to find it. It’s a worthy addition to your library, for sure.

“The science is beyond dispute… Delay is no longer an option. Denial is no longer an acceptable response.”

I never thought I’d see the day when the President of the USA would be considered “more green” than the prime minister of Canada. I’m happy to say, that I truly believe Obama is just that. (Although…to be fair - being “more green” then the Canadian government isn’t super hard right now.)

The future looks mostly friendly with Obama on leading the way. Originally there was some skepticism over his support for “clean coal” support - but won the environmentalists back with his incredibly aggressive and undeniably ambitious plan for climate change and renewable energies. This plan focuses on an attempt to reduce 80 % emissions from 1990 levels by 2050 along side auctioning 100 % of the pollution permits. If he holds true to his plan it will also include a $150 billion investment for green jobs and clean energies.

He is calling for 30% of all the government’s electricity to come from renewable energy within the next 11 years, and 25% of ALL U.S.A electricity to come from sustainable/renewable sources by 2025. All “new buildings” would be carbon neutral by 2030 and U.S oil consumption would drop by at least 35%. He opposes oil drilling in the Arctic, supports Nuclear energy (although doesn’t want it stuck under Yucca - but did accept $159 800 in contributions from Exelon) and supports labeling foods for GMOs and country-of-origin.

So it looks as though that America is rolling into a new year with some bright light ahead of them. To the east Spain is putting forth intense efforts to start a competition for the biggest and baddest solar energy device this world can offer. They’re not even going to keep it to themselves, but have said that they will export the technology to places such as Algeria and Morocco.

The 20MW solar tower is also a forerunner for an even more ambitious idea, one that Abascal [Abengoa’s CTO] hopes will become a standard for CSP plants in future — a 50MW version that could generate electricity around the clock. “During the day, you’d use 50% of your electricity to produce electricity and 50% to heat molten salt. During the night you use the molten salt to produce electricity.”

Molten salt technology is in its early stages but Abengoa is testing the idea at a power plant in Granada. So far the company has demonstrated that it is possible to store up to eight hours of solar energy by heating tanks containing 28,000 tonnes of salt to more than 220C. “This will make it possible to have almost constant production or at least it will be able to produce energy for most of the day,” said Abascal.

India is doing it’s part by introducing such technology as the solar rickshaw!

The solar version reaches a pretty impressive speed of about 15 kilometres per hour and, fully-charged, the battery can keep going for 50-70 kilometres. The goal is to develop the current four Soleckshaws into more advanced models in time for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi.

Hopefully these sorts of technologies will only keep going so that the everyday rickshaw driver can afford one. But for less costly environmental efforts we can turn to Japan where they’re using recycled bottles to save people’s lives.

All over the world there are people devoting their lives, or simply just doing their best to help save the environment. I look forward to this new year, when I suspect that we’ll see many changes in America, Canada and all over the world. Although some of the governments may not have the best plans, at least they’re starting to have plans at all. And it’s going to take the effort, passion and devotion of every single person to see some major changes starting to take place.

So Happy New Year! I hope this coming year brings you lots of green-filled surprises and cool new technologies for us all to try out. Throughout the year I’ll keep you updated on coral reefs, endangered species, deforestation, pollution and the hardships that people are facing because of global warming and other environmental disasters.

“We are not acting as good stewards of God’s Earth when our bottom line puts the size of our profits before the future of our planet.”
— Obama Oct. 14, 2007, in a speech at an interfaith forum on climate change

TreeYoga Inversions in Wimberley, Texas

Husband and wife Hal Preussner and Debra Pruessner have taken yoga to new heights with the TreeYoga Multi-Sling (TYMS) and founding of TreeYoga.  An alternative to the posh treehouses by builder Roderick Romero ($50,000+) or the towering elevations of tree climbing, TreeYoga offers yogis a bare-bones, gentle arboreal experience.  The padded slings support practitioners to hang loose and find steady footing on tree trunks and the surrounding ground.

As in the yoga posture (asana) of the Tree Pose (Vrksasana), TreeYoga beckons us to reflect upon a core principle of yoga — balance.  Like trees, yogis can now root themselves into the earth and extend gloriously up to the sky.  There is great beauty and playfulness in the flowering shapes of yogis sprouting from trees.

Trees also offer a profound lesson in the quieting and stilling of the mind, another aim of yoga. Contemporary spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle has described meditating on natural forms as a method to find presence: “Look at a tree, a flower, a plant.  Allow nature to teach you stillness.”  (Stillness Speaks, 2003, p. 5).  Indeed, it was beneath the sheltering Bodhi tree that, for Buddhists, Siddhartha Gautama became the Buddha (”the Enlightened one”).

Core Strengthening Using TYMS. Helen Stutchbury, Yoga Instructor, and Debra Pruessner on an old oak tree at White Rock Lake, Dallas, TX

Connecting with nature as a spiritual practice has implications for environmental consciousness and action.  TreeYoga has helped strengthen this link between earth-friendly living by taking the mat outdoors and into nature.  Tarzan would approve.

Debra Pruessner, Colorado Yoga Journal Conference, Estes Park

Previously posted on mebegreen.

Editor’s Note: This year I asked all the Eco Chick contributors to send me their New Year’s Resolutions, and they really impressed me with their plans! I bet you will be too- interesting to note the similarities (reducing plastic, teaching kids about environmentalism, cooking more) from all these writers, and the differences. I’ve noted where everyone lives so you can get an idea of where these Greensolutions are coming from.

We’d love to hear your Greensolutions! Leave them in the comment box to solidify your plans and inspire others!

Kim Jordan Allen, Connecticut, rural/small town

Teach my children about personal responsibility and the environment: using minimal amounts of water (my son just learned to wash his hands and wants to stand at the bathroom sink as long as possible with the water running, so that is a great opportunity to teach,) recycling, caring for plants and animals, and generally enjoying nature.

Spend Less Money: in general, as we know, spending less minimizes one’s carbon footprint. With times being what they are, there is great incentive to grow it, make it, recycle/reuse it, sew it, or fix it. In our house, with kids, food is usually the biggest expense. Buying organic and local can be pricey sometimes, so focusing on not wasting anything and utilizing every crumb is my goal.

Clear out all the old piles of random odds and ends that need to be disposed of: plastics, batteries, CFL’s, cell phones, and other household waste. Earth911.org is my savior for this stuff.

Eat as little processed food as possible and eat local: To avoid those sneaky ingredients that seem to be in everything, like corn syrup, soy lecithin, whey powder, etc. I am trying to cook my heart out and buy less boxed goods.

Melissa Goldberg, New Jersey suburbs

Reduce my family’s waste — In my household we recycle everything and anything that can be. This year I would like to move that one step forward and rather then recycling more, I would like to reduce the amount of waste that my family generates.

Jar and freeze more food for the winter months — This past summer our garden was abundant with veggies. With our CSA and garden we were giving food away. This summer I plan and learning more about storing my food for the winter months so we have a freezer full of great veggies rather then depending on what is available in the market.

Help get my community on the road to sustainability — For the past year, myself along with 10 other members of my community were part of a Sustainable Task Force where we created a road map of what we think our town needs to do become more sustainable and reduce their carbon footprint. In 2009, we hope to move this along by putting the suggested tactics into action.

Make my house more energy efficient — Built in 1955, our home has many places where we loose heat especially our front door. I would like to upgrade our front door reducing the draft and saving energy.

Teach children the importance of helping our environment — I would like to create a program in my son’s school to teach the children the little things they can do to help our environment. It is hard to teach the parents so let the kids do it for me!

Alicia Lubowski, New York City

To Connect With Nature: Since I am a city dweller, it is easy to feel disconnected from nature. Sometimes, for example, I long to see a full starry night sky and not what I think looks like a star, but is actually an airplane or some other unidentified flying object! I intend to be more thankful for the land, the seasons, and natural resources that enliven and sustain the urban environment and to relish thoroughly those sublime windows onto nature’s majesty.

To Smile at The Morning Glory: I am kind of a vampire and so a big item on my agenda is to become more of a morning person. For those who know me, this statement might make them laugh in disbelief or take bets on my feeble willpower. I’d like to wake up at dawn to watch the sunrise and shift to the new solar surprises and rhythms of that time and space.

To Do Without Have To: I’d like to cultivate more contentment, playfulness, and appreciation for doing things that sometimes feel like a push, a “have to”, a rule, and a burden. I want to work on expressing sincere gratitude, freedom, and enthusiasm rather than acting from feeling like I “have to”, be it a deadline, a moral judgment, or a routine schedule. I am thankful for increasingly greening my life, which gives me a chance to exercise living with conscious intention, community, and joy.

To Sweep Away the Plastic: I’d like to continue to eliminate conventional plastics and try harder to get rid of the sneaky ones that show up encasing natural toothbrushes and other well-intentioned sustainable purchases.

To Forge New Paths: While the economy going down the drain makes this a very difficult time, I hope 2009 will generate new beginnings full of inspiration, hopefulness, and unimagined promise.

Ann Benoit, Berkeley, California

1. Avoid buying any new books until i check my local library to see if they have a copy. If they don’t have a copy, I can check to see if they will order it. Donate any books + magazines that I own but don’t use to libraries or other local organizations.

2. Use my bike and walking to run more errands on the weekends

3. Make a more conscious effort to conserve energy in my apartment

4. Consume less! If this economy has taught me anything, its that I don’t need to buy as much. Using what I already have in new ways is a lot less wasteful and a lot more fun!

Danelle Brown, New York City

Prepare more meals and reduce on takeout- Not only is this resolution healthier for me, its economical, and reduces the waste that is generated by takeout containers.

Refill my printer’s ink cartridges verses purchasing new ones- I used to just drop off my empty ink cartridges to Staples, have them recycle them and purchase new ones. About a month ago, I walked by a local store that refills all HP & Epson Ink cartridges and it’s about time I walk in.

Educate, inspire and strengthen women’s confidence and awareness of our bodies’ natural abilities, strength and amazement. More and more, women are becoming disconnected to their bodies. With the addition of common medicine, pills, surgeries, products, media and many others causes, the sacred functions and natural beauty that lives within every woman is slowly slipping away.

Stephanie Rogers, North Carolina

Expand my organic garden and use water from a rainbarrel as much as possible. I grew veggies for the first time last year and this year, I plan to grow even more, but I’m going to do everything I can to use water wisely. I’m going to make my own soaker hoses as well.

Buy more food in bulk to reduce packaging, save money and lessen my dependence on packaged foods. Staples like flour, sugar, dried beans, rice, nuts and pasta are available in big bins at my local health food store and I plan to use these as well as the food I grow myself as the basis of my diet.

Get more involved in my community. I hope to join green efforts in my area, get to know more people, and eat and shop local even more than I already do. I love Western North Carolina so much and as a transplant I feel like I need to earn my place here and give back a little.

Courtney Tenz, Cologne, Germany

My hubby and I have already done a lot to keep our carbon footprint as close to one earth as we can (from going completely carless for the last three years to sharing our four walls with neighbors to help keep energy usage low) but this year we’re trying to move beyond thoughts of pollution control and more into the realms of lowering our already low consumption. So here’s what I’m attempting to do in 2009 to keep from adding to our overflowing landfills:

1. Plant a veggie and flower garden. Schrebergartens are all the rage in Germany and this year, we plan to get our hands on one. Small plots of land, these gardens were introduced post-war to keep people from starving and the tradition of growing your own food remains strong (seriously strong, as the only way to get one is to find someone who’s no longer able to care for it). Since we live in the most populated part of the country, land space for home gardens is rare and the balcony doesn’t quite cut it if you want to grow more than tomatoes and herbs so we’ve got the word out that we’re on the hunt for a
garden to call our own … and when we get our hands on one of these, we promise to share all the space with our friends. Nothing says loving like a pumpkin patch of your own!

2. Make my own things … from duvet covers to curtains to pillow covers. I may have nearly failed home ec but the rule I’ve set is that in redecorating my house this year, I’ve got to do the textiles all on
my own. That way I know no sweatshop was used, no crazy chemicals were sprayed on my bedsheets, and best of all, I won’t be throwing away any packaging.

3. Which brings me to: Banishing plastic permanently from my life. I’ve got glass jars instead of plastic tossaways, porcelain instead of plastic platters, and I always use canvas bags. Still, my plastic
garbage pile keeps getting higher (here we have to sort it out to be burned – my worst nightmare but not unusual) because of all the packaging. So this year, I’m searching for the brands that believe in
sustainable packaging and not buying those individual-wrapped cookies and chocolates that I don’t need anyway. And I’m getting my hands on a reusable water bottle.

4. I’ll also be skipping some of my previous indulgences this year by eating less soy, sugar, and chocolate. I may be vegan but a vegan who substitutes meat with soy schnitzels and soy nuggets and soy milk and soy yadda-yadda is not necessarily doing better for the environment. So I’m going back to basics in my cooking and ditching the replacements. Who needs a soy burger when you can have an mushroom one? And sugar and chocolate, well, I could go on and on about why they’re bad for the earth but I’ll be more vain here and just say my body could seriously do without so much of it.

Starre Vartan, Connecticut urban suburbs

Dance More: I love to dance, it doesn’t cost much, and it makes me piles happier than a bunch of new stuff (yes, even more than new shoes!) I’ve always tried to get into meditating every day- my new rule is that I either have to dance OR meditate every day- I think I can do this!

Work Less: I’ve become something I never thought possible in my slacker youth- a total workaholic. I LOVE what I do, but I’ve gotta cut back- it’s aging me!

Swim More: If asked to list my top 10 favorite things to do in life, swimming would come in at 3 or 4 (with dancing taking the other spot)- I will swim in almost anything and am planning on topping last year’s list of new swimming explorations. Also, I’m going to get a super-comfy, flattering, eco bathingsuit that I LOVE! Yes, I will share my search with all you lovely readers.

Do Less of the Stuff I Don’t Like and More of The Stuff I LOVE: Which encompasses all of the above….and more!

Food Democracy Now! is a grassroots campaign comprised of farmers, writers, activists, policy advocates and people who eat. A petition is circulating to bring our attention to the desperate need for sustainable practices regarding food. The Food Democracy Now! petition asks President-elect Barack Obama and newly appointed Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack to consider leaders for the Under Secretary level who understand organic and sustainable agriculture.

While some are more concerned with the appointment of Vilsack, Dave Murphy of FoodDemocracyNow! remains hopeful;

We understand that many in the sustainable agriculture community are disappointed with President-elect Obama’s selection of former Iowan Governor as our next Secretary of Agriculture. Concern over his record regarding genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and the proliferation of confined animal feeding operations (CAFOs) during his time in office have given many in this community pause over the type of change he may be willing to implement as the head of the USDA. The fact is that many in Iowa who have worked with Gov. Vilsack in the past have always appreciated his willingness to listen to the concerns of family farm and rural advocates and believe that he may be able to realize more progressive change at the USDA as he will not be hampered by a Republican House and Senate as he was as governor. We are also encouraged by the fact that President-elect Obama has committed to payment limitations, eliminating subsidies for factory farms and labeling GMOs in the human food chain.

Twelve sustainable choices are listed at the end of the petition. FoodDemocracyNow! is working hard to get 100,000 signatures by January 1st, 2009. To join the likes of Bill McKibben, Michael Pollan, Wendell Berry and Eric Schlosser, just to name a few, SIGN IT!

Electric cars are the way of the future, but not many of us can afford a Tesla and we’re still waiting on that Chevy Volt. In the meantime, author Seth Leitman shows us how we can green up the cars we own right now and transform them from gas guzzlers to mean, green electric machines.

With the economy the way it is, America’s DIY spirit will no doubt be stronger than ever and ‘Build Your Own Electric Vehicle’ could be the handbook that allows people to take the switch into their own hands. We interviewed Seth about his book and got a fascinating look into the world of electric vehicles.

What inspired you to write a book about electric cars?

SL: The book was first published in 1993, written by Bob Brant. Recently, Judy Bass, the editor of McGraw-Hill Professional, publisher of the volume, noticed that it was still selling well, but that it was in need of an update. She chose me for the project a little over a year ago because Brant had died and I had worked for the State of New York on electric cars.

Build Your Own Electric Vehicle provides step-by-step instructions for converting a regular gas-powered car into electric - for as much as or less than buying a traditional car. Does this process require prior knowledge about car repair and maintenance? Could someone like me - who’s handy, but doesn’t have much technical knowledge - take on this task?

SL: You could convert the car with prior knowledge of automobiles or are handy and are a do it yourself type.  However, if you feel any bit uncomfortable about converting the car, there is a source directory of companies and people that can assist you in your conversion process.

What would you say to critics who claim that electric cars aren’t eco-friendly because they use electricity drawn from fossil-fuel-powered plants?

SL: Great question.  The Environmental Protection Agency measures emissions by a grams or emissions per mile.  Even if electric cars are all powered with coal they would still be cleaner than any other alternative fueled vehicle; they have ZERO tailpipe emissions; coal powered plants across the country are spending money to reduce emissions from their power plants which will only reduce emissions further.

Since you wrote this book, the economy has suffered dramatically and oil prices have gone down. Have these factors, or any others that have recently come up, changed any of the concepts you cover in your book?

SL: While the economy is in bad shape, we still import more oil than we generate (55%) and we are reliant on a commodity that is rather volatile.  We saw over $140 a barrel this summer and we are now at a little over $50.  There was recently a report that Saudi officials believe that oil should be $75 a barrel.  Some analysts predict oil to go to $120 a barrel this upcoming summer.  Also, as the economy gets better in the US, the price will most likely go up since a barrel of oil is based on the US dollar.

In addition, Bob Brandt (the first author) in 1993 saw $100 a barrel as a need for change.  I am in agreement with Bob.

To some people a Porsche, BMW that gets about 100 miles to a charge costing about $15,000 - $18,500 for someone to convert is a good deal and would pay for a car that does that.  Some who can do it themselves would only pay $8,000 - $10,000.  Also, there are people that would even pay $40,000 - $45,000 for a Porsche, BMW, SAAB, that gets 300 miles on a charge. While not everyone can afford that, early adopters can afford the higher end prices and have expressed sincere interest to purchase cars that use no oil or gasoline.  As more people buy advanced batteries, the cost of a 250-300 mile EV will come down (just as with cell phones).  You now see power tools using lithium ion batteries and even duracell is selling lithium ion batteries.  These is a tell tale sign that advanced battery costs will come down and be more affordable.

In addition, since the US car companies have been building inefficient cars, people have been clamoring for anything electric, such as hybrid electric cars.  Now GM is working on the Volt which gets us an all electric range for 40 miles @ 40 miles per hour, plus they are working with US utilities to develop infrastructure for the vehicles.  This is a huge step!

We are now even talking about plug-in hybrids which allow you to plug in and get up to 100 miles per gallon.  We are getting closer everyday to electric cars in our automobiles and the electric car (as an EV purist) is the way to go.  We will get there and a conversion is the quickest way to get there today.

Have women traditionally had a role in the electric car movement?

SL: Women have been involved in electric cars since the birth of the electric motor. Genevera Delphine Mudge of New York City, has been identified by one source as the first woman motorist in the United States, drove an electric in 1898, and one Miss Daisy Post also drove an electric vehicle as early as 1898.

In ‘Who Killed The Electric Car?’ you had Chelsea Sexton who worked for Saturn and the EV1 and Co-Founder of Plug-In America.

Can you recommend any additional resources for women interested in learning more about electric cars?

SL: Besides the book, which has a source directory in the back, I also worked with Lynne Mason from Electric-cars-are-for-girls.com and Chelsea Sexton from Plug In America and Who Killed The Electric Car?, to make the book a resource for women. I hope it helps.

In the source directory I listed Electric Cars are for Girls, the electric auto association plug in America.  Also, check out Women’s Travel Issues and Are Cars Just a Male Thing? There are more but this is at least a great start.

Thanks, Seth!

Build Your Own Electric Vehicle is available at your local bookstore and online at Amazon.com.

Call me a Grinch but it’s been a few years since I’ve celebrated the holidays and I’m really enjoying my non-Christmas days. It wasn’t necessarily a well-thought-out decision on my part to stop taking part in the family festivities but rather a serious of things that’s led me to skip the tree and the presents and all the running around that had begun to feel a requisite part of Christmas celebrations. Still, I’m happy I did.

Because while the occasion is filed as a top German tradition -– replete with outdoor markets, fruitcakes, gluehwein and a month’s worth of minor celebrations — since moving here I’ve used the three-day vacation as just that: a break. A few years ago, that meant flying to Turkey, where the 25th was just another day. This year, with my health keeping me grounded, I’m using the country’s three federal holidays as a chance to catch up on all the luxuries I neglect while working 60 hour weeks… like sleeping late and taking long, hot baths. Oh, and I might bake a few vegan lebkuchen to indulge the sweet tooth.

It doesn’t sound like much, but it’s the little things in life. And it keeps my December stress-free … which means my January won’t be the month of depression, as it is for many. Of course, I’m missing out on all the presents. But who needs another ugly sweater anyway? I buy myself whatever I feel like I need whenever I feel like it. And I’d rather see my family when we can actually hang out together without worrying about who will do all the cooking or driving around the mall parking lot looking for a spot. Or driving through a snowstorm to see one of the endless numbers of aunts and uncles that I have scattered throughout the Midwest.

None of that really sounds like I’ve made the holiday more eco friendly. After all, I can’t exactly proclaim innovation when I’m simply doing nothing. But by not celebrating, I’m also not wasting: no cutdown tree, no fake snow sprinkles, no lights racking up my electricity bill, no crinkled up wrapping paper and silly looking bows. All of that seemed pointless to me a few years ago, anyway, when I spent Christmas day working at a homeless shelter. You forget, in all your decorating, just how little some others have. So instead of letting things go to waste each year, I remind myself that this nothing I do is sometimes better than something.

Photo credit: (c) Pesky Library, courtesy of flickr Creative Commons

Every year there are things we do to minimize the consumptive haze. This year, with the economy being what it is and people mowing each other down at Wal-Mart, many are choosing alternatives to corporate Christmas debris. Here are some of the tips that help my family to slow down, enjoy each other and breathe.

1. Get Outside: This is always the number one answer for us. When cabin fever settles in or the air is getting stale, we head for the wild. Today we took our screaming toddlers for a cross-country ski. The gray sky broke as the sun set behind snow-covered trees. My son, who only has a few words (mama, dada, eat, lulu doggie) said “Weeeeeeee” as my husband glided on the snow. Moments like this make it worthwhile.

2. Avoid wasting energy with lights, inflatable snowmen and massive automated plastic snowglobes (these strange spheres that send styrofoam snow in circles are perhaps one of the signs of the capitalistic Apocalypse?)

3. Make stuff: This year I made my tahini, garlic, lemon dressing for friends. My hubby makes a mean roasted butternut squash soup with garlic, ginger and cinnamon and we put it in mason jars with a bow. I have friends who knit, make homemade lip balm, and create art to share with loved ones.

4. If you use Christmas trees, there are several sustainable options. One choice is to use a potted tree. If you don’t want to keep it after the holiday, you can find a planter who will take the tree. Here is a great resource page on how to manage live trees. Some municipalities collect trees for mulching. Use Earth 911 to find your local waste management. Fresh Christmas Tree is a great place to find sustainably harvested trees, but by this time of year they are usually sold out. They might be able to refer you to local farms that are growing trees responsibly.

5. Recycle Wrapping: instead of spending money on wrapping I actually save old wrapping and ribbons. Gift bags get used multiple times in our house. Re-gifting is also a really good way to avoid wasteful spending.

6. Donate to a cause: For those who don’t need ’stuff,’ giving to local charities is a great way to give a gift with meaning.

7. Give an experience: Yoga classes, massage, theater tickets, or an afternoon of hiking…

Here is an excellent resource for other environmentally conscious holiday ideas. Mahalo!
Wishing everyone warmth for the season.