holidays

As those who know me can vouch, I'm pretty budget-savvy. I balance the saves with spending money when it counts (which for me normally equals vacation, friends & an occasional shopping spree.) I compete in coupon-clipping contests with my retired Dad and love the Groupon Deals or PhillyHalfOff promotions that arrive in my inbox. Yet, this Thanksgiving, I offered to buy the turkey. A free-range, local, organic turkey from Koch Farms that will set me back approximately … $50. I (briefly) debated canceling my offer to buy the bird (Read more, after the jump!)

Thanksgiving is all about two things: 1. Giving thanks, being grateful , reflecting on all we have. 2. The food! Let's focus on the latter for a moment, and talk about how we can celebrate this Thanksgiving's feast in truly green fashion. Here's 4 simple ways:

Halloween is around the corner... It's the one time of the year you should pretend someone whom you're not! But don't give up your green habits in the meantime. Here's some ways to Green Your Halloween, whether you're dressing up, dressing up the kids or giving out treats:

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Hot Cocoa is the perfect Christmas treat in my opinion. It brings me back to my childhood and puts me in a festive mood while I'm wrapping presents (or watching It's a Wonderful Life for the 50th time.) This year I decided to put an eco-friendly twist on an old classic by making a vegan version (no animal products used.) It was even better then the original! Plus, sometimes it's just soothing to make something from "scratch" rather than use a prepackaged food. Tasty Vegan Hot Cocoa Recipe:

Want to limit the eco-impact from your gift-giving this year? Instead of the typical gift ideas, give an 'experience' gift. Movies, concerts, restaurants, massages or cooking classes all are thoughtful alternatives of the typical stocking stuffers. Another bonus: You can pick something you & the recipient both enjoy to spend time together!

Need another reason to have a leftover meal of turkey and stuffing? Over 40% of food produced in America is not eaten. Fossil fuels are used to fertilize, harvest and process much of the food we eat. Ample gas is spent transporting food from processor to manufacturer. Help lessen the impact by

Still looking for a Valentines day gift that's beyond the typical chocolate & flowers? BeGreen has eco-friendlyValentine's solutions for any procrastinator. Or for anyone looking to carbon offset some not-so-earth friendly V-day plans. And it’s under $10.

It may be a contrived, made-up “hallmark holiday” - but who doesn’t like an excuse to give and get? This Valentine’s Day you can do that and show love to the planet at the same time. Here's some tips to green your Valentine’s Day: