Sierra Club Green Home

A new report by the Breast Cancer Fund called “BPA in Thanksgiving Canned Food” reveals that many of the canned foods associated with Thanksgiving contain high levels of BPA (Bisphenol A). BPA is used in a wide variety of applications, including linings of metal canned goods. BPA can leach from the inner metal coatings of the cans into the food itself. It also leaches from products like plastic food storage containers and water and baby bottles.

Combine traditional fare along with raw and vegan options. These options are more eco-friendly, and usually healthier. (Photo © Stephanie Frey | Dreamstime.com)

It’s one thing to admire a beautiful bouquet, but another to taste it. With this organic autumn bouquet, you could decorate your table, throw it on your salad, or both. (Photo © Kuzsm | Dreamstime.com)

If you put together sodium-free, gluten-free and vegan ingredients without any sugar, would you want to eat the result? You would if it’s a recipe from Maura “Mo” Knowles’s cookbook, The 12 Days of Morseliciousness. (Photo courtesy of Maura Knowles)

As you’re making final preparations for the night’s festivities, glance over the top SCGH Halloween eco-tips! When trick-or-treating, try walking or biking somewhere near your neighborhood instead of driving to another location. Carry a no-battery flashlight and wear bright-colored clothing to ensure maximum visibility. (Photo © JudyKennamer/ Dreamstime.com)

If half of kids swapped costumes instead of purchasing new ones every year, it would reduce landfill waste by 6,250 tons, according to GreenHalloween.org. Saturday, October 8, is National Costume Swap Day. Find the nearest swap party. (Photo courtesy of Green Halloween)

It seems that the battle between real and artificial holiday trees is as old as the tree-decorating tradition itself. Artificial trees were invented in the 1930’s by a toiletbowl brush company. That’s right, the first artificial tree was not much more than an oversized, green toiletbowl brush.

If you can’t go a Christmas without gazing at colorful, bright lights on the tree and outside the house, consider buying LED lights. LED lights consume less energy watts per string than regular lights. Admittedly more expensive to buy than regular lights, LEDs will save you money when it comes time to pay the electricity bill…

Sierra Club Green Home has compiled a list of 25 Eco-Gifts for the holidays. From wind powered chargers to tree logs that play iPods. Not only are these ideas and gadgets cool, but they’re a great way to decrease your carbon footprint. SCGH is not endorsing these items as we have not tested or inspected them.

The season for giving is fast approaching, and it’s time to start looking for the perfect gifts for all of the special people in your life. When we know we selected just the right gift for our loved ones, it gives us a warm and fuzzy feeling, right?