Have a Green Holiday

The holiday season is upon us, a time of celebration and gift giving.  What can get lost in the season is what we can be grateful for.  Climate change is real and we can focus on what we can do at a local or personal level.  Let’s be thankful for our planet, it provides us with food, shelter, clean air and all the things that keep us healthy.  How can we give thanks to our planet?  Let’s keep it healthy so it can keep us healthy in return.  Here are a few ideas to keep your holidays green.

• Green Gifting - Instead of giving gifts that add to our crowded homes, landfills and second hand stores, give the gift of experiences.  Gift certificates to restaurants, museums, park passes, cleaning services, cooking classes and fitness classes create longer term memorable experiences.  For those who may have limited finances, grocery store gift cards can be a welcome respite.  For gifts that require wrapping use handkerchiefs, bandannas, compostable paper or reusable bags.


• Eat local and In Season - When we buy fruits and vegetables that are out of season they’ve been transported from somewhere far away, usually from another country.  This is an inefficient way to eat since these foods contribute to additional fuel use which adds to carbon emissions and traffic (more pollution).  If we eat what is in-season in our location you’re supporting the local economy and reducing carbon emissions.  Make your holiday meals with local, in-season produce.  In addition, your fruits and vegetables will be fresher, last longer, be more nutritious and contribute to less food waste.


• Shop at the Farmers’ Market - Visiting a Farmers’ Market is great way to discover what is in season locally.  You’ll be supporting your local farmer too.  Typically, these smaller scale growers use sustainable methods of farming which promotes healthier soil leading to improved nutrients in what they grow since they don’t have the same high production demands as the farms that supply supermarket chains.  Improved nutrients mean a healthier diet for you.  Farmer's Market can be a good place to find handmade gifts of jams, dried fruits, sauces and soaps.


• Compost, Recycle and Reduce Waste - When food scraps are composted they become a nutrient-rich fertilizer for the soil.  Recycle and re-use containers to prevent additional waste from going to the landfill.  Bring your own containers and buy in bulk so you only buy as much as you need.  Bring your own reusable containers for leftovers when dining out.  It’s also a great way manage your portion sizes.


• Drive Less, Walk and/or Bike More - Build more activity into your day by shopping and running errands with people power (walking or biking). You’ll improve your fitness, produce less carbon emissions and save time by getting things done and exercising at the same time. You’ll be less stressed by avoiding traffic and searching for parking.



Give thanks to our great planet, let’s give it our support and make ourselves healthier in the process.

Here are few reasons to see a nutritionist/personal trainer/health coach: relieve tension & stress in the body, properly train or progress in an activity, improve your microbiome, assess nutrient intake, disease prevention through evidence-based diet, and exercise, maximize exercise performance, improve sleep quality, enhance mental clarity, optimize digestion and nutrient absorption, establish long-term healthy habits, meal planning for a whole foods diet and eat in a way to sustain the planet.  Please consider Sheri for nutrition counseling and/or fitness appointments to help you develop a healthier lifestyle for you and the planet. 

Free introductory 15-minute appointments are also available.