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Dreaming of a green Christmas

CHEEKTOWAGA, NY

Bing Crosby had a white one. Elvis was blue. And while a “green” Christmas might not lend itself to song as well as those other colors, celebrating the holiday season in a greener, more environmentally friendly way is certainly desirable. DirectBuy of Buffalo, the leading home improvement and furnishing club, has some helpful tips on being greener with you holiday celebrations.

“The holidays are a great time of year to get together with family and friends, but the amount of waste is really astounding,” said Mark Klinger, owner of DirectBuy of DirectBuy of Buffalo.

How much waste? Consider more than one million greeting cards are thrown away every year. Or that the lights used to decorate your home produce enough carbon dioxide to inflate 12 balloons. Worse yet, the 51-plus miles of wrapping paper used once and then thrown away.

So, how can you have a greener holiday season? Try:

  • LED instead of your classic holiday lights. LEDs last 80 to 90 percent longer. The price for strands of LED lights are roughly the same as those classic lights. And if everyone switched to LEDs in their household, the savings alone would be enough to power 200,000 homes for a year. 
  • Turn off your lights and electronic devices when not in use. Even in standby mode these items can consume 15 percent of your household’s electricity.
  • Using real glasses and dishes instead of disposable ones for your holiday party. Also, go with cloth tablecloths instead of throwaways.
  • Sending online cards instead of mailing paper holiday cards. Or make an online photo album yourself and circulate the link to family and friends.
  • Giving presents that aren’t actual items that have to be stored but experiences—e.g. horseback riding lessons, a massage, or even a gift certificate for a class at your local continuing education facility.
  •  Re-using grocery bags or posters from old magazines and decorating them yourself for wrapping paper. If that’s a little too work-intensive, you can also purchase a recycled version of the traditional wrapping paper that you can buy online.
  • Buying a real tree this year. Surprised? Artificial trees are petroleum based and non-biodegradable. The process of making them includes metal and derivatives of PVC and the by-products such as led harm both humans and the environment. Instead, buy a potted tree that you can later plant in your garden and possibly use next year.

 “The holidays really are a time for us to reflect back on the year and be grateful for the many gifts we do have. One of those gifts is the very earth we live on,” said Klinger. “By following just a few of these green suggestions, you can make a difference in your carbon imprint and, perhaps, even enjoy a more memorable holiday season knowing you’re making your corner of the world a little greener.”

For over 38 years, DirectBuy has helped consumers enjoy enormous savings on home furnishings, home improvement items, entertainment and outdoor products, and accessories, by providing an avenue to purchase directly from the manufacturer. Conveniently located at 4950 Genesee Street in Cheektowaga, New York, DirectBuy offers members a comfortable setting where they finally have the financial control of buying direct.

For more information on a DirectBuy membership, you can call 716-684-1400 or visit www.directbuycares.com.

About DirectBuy

Since 1971, DirectBuy has helped hundreds of thousands of families enjoy a better quality of life, enabling them to buy directly from more than 700 manufacturers and their authorized suppliers. Buying direct makes members’ hard-earned money to go much further, while having the selection and choice not available at any retail store. DirectBuy has been serving the greater Buffalo area since 2005. Access to confidential prices, local suppliers, and unparalleled selection helps make members’ dream projects a reality.   DirectBuy of Buffalo is one of more than 160 DirectBuy locations throughout North America.

Consumers interested in becoming members may obtain a Visitor’s Pass to attend an Open House by contacting DirectBuy at 716-684-1400, or visiting www.DirectBuy-Buffalo.com. 

To learn more about the superior value and benefits of a DirectBuy membership, visit www.directbuycares.com.