Have a Cool Holiday!

With one week left until Christmas Eve, many (if not all) of us are still shopping around for last-minute gift items for friends and family. Take a moment to consider what we can do during this time of excess and indulgence to conserve and protect our natural resources and the environment.

The National Resource Defense Council has offered a few hints on how we can continue to be good stewards of our environment during the holiday season:

1. Ground Shipping: The early bird... cuts pollution? It's true: Do your online and catalog shopping early and you'll be able to request ground shipping. It is six times more efficient than overnight air shipping. It saves fuel and reduces global warming pollution.

2. LED lights: Holiday lights are a fun way to make your home feel festive, inside and out. But to save energy, remember to turn them off when you're not at home and before you go to sleep. Shopping for new lights? Energy-efficient LED lights are the best choice, and they're not available at most major retailers. LED holiday lights use about 90% less energy than conventional lights. They'll help make the season bright while substantially lowering your holiday electric bill. (From the PG&E website: Based on annual operation costs of 225 hours of use (5 hours a day for 45 days), large incandescent holiday lights cost approximately $70 to run, mini-incandescents $5, and LEDs $0.45. Big difference there!)

3. Energy Star: Hoping to unwrap a computer, TV, washing machine, or dishwaser this year? Make sure your loved ones know about the Energy Star label. Home appliances and electronics bearing this label must exceed minimum standards for energy consumption; an Energy Star appliance can lower your utility bills and help reduce the heat-trapping pollution that causes global warming at the same time. (Also, from today's Times-Union, watch out for those snazzy flat-panel TVs: a 28-inch convention television set containing a cathode-ray picture tube, often uses about 100 watts of electricity. A 42-inch LCD set requires about 200 watts of electricity. a 42-inch plasma set sucks up 200 to 500 watts. A 60-plus-inch plasma screen can consume 500 to 600 watts, depending on the model and programming. In the biggest screen sizes, a projection television consumes about 150 to 200 watts. All according to the EPA.)

4. Environmental gifts: Stumped on a gift for that neighbor or second cousin? How about a hand-cranked radio or flashlight? They're climate friendly, and outdoorsy types swear by 'em -- no need to worry about batteries. Also, consider gifts that encourage connecting with nature, like national park passes, binoculars, or a holiday wreath made of birdseed and fruit for birding in your backyard. For a bit of 'good feeling', purchase a TerraPass for your SUV-driving family-member with all the kids. They'll feel better about their impact (even if it isn't much consolation at the pump).

5. Reusable or recycled packaging: When you're stocking up for a holiday feast, look for products that go easy on the packaging, or come in reusable or recyclable wrapping. You'll save the energy that would be used to manufacture and ship the ecess packaging, and shrink your personal contribution to global warming.

6. Hybrid cars: Put a hybrid car on your wishlist this year! It might be a long shot, but if it works out you'll get a shiny new car and the satisfaction that you're really making a difference. A hybrid car saves big money at the pump, and is much more climate friendly than the car it replaces.

7. Remember to recycle: Holiday enertaining can leave behind lots of cans, bottles, and cardboard. Recycle whatever you can in your area to make your home more climate smart. Use recycled paper to wrap your presents. Or, if you're feeling artistic, don't buy gift wrap at all. Get creative with old newspapers, magazines, or fabric, and you'll add a little extra personalization to each present. And be sure to recycle your Christmas tree, which can be turned into mulch for the spring. Go to Earth911 to find a local tree recycler in your area.

8. Beat the traffic: Share a ride or take public transit while doing your holiday shopping. If you must drive to get to the shops, bring a friend or two along. Cars are responsible for 20% of the CO2 pollution the US produces, so carpooling really helps (And you'll get to swap gift ideas with your shopping buddies.)

9. E-mail: Instead of mailing holiday cards and letters to loved ones, try using e-mail. You'll save paper -- and the carbon-sequestering trees it is made from -- and reduce emissions from delivery vehicles. You'll reach your friends and family faster, too. While you're at it, browse through NRDC's Earth Action Center and send a heart-warming message to your elected officials expressing your concern about global warming, air pollution, and other environmental issues.

10. Give a gift: Another way you can make a difference is with a gift to NRDC (or an environmental stewardship organization close to your heart). A membership makes a great gift for an environmentally conscious friend or relative, or a great treat for yourself -- either way, you're giving the Earth a gift too.

And remember, recycle, reduce, rejoice this holiday season!