Kanu Hawaii has tips
for simplifying the holidays

Just in time, the folks at Kanu Hawaii have put together a list of tips, links and resources to simplify the holidays and help you have a better, more satisfying holiday season. What's more, they plan to keep the tips coming.

"Help Kanu Hawaii reach our goal of 1,000 members committed to reduce waste and get back to the true spirit of the holiday season," they ask, adding: "Each week from now until the New Year, we'll suggest a handful of actions you can take. To join the campaign, click this link."

Here's Kanu's first five Simplify the Holidays recommendations:

1. Use a locally grown or potted Christmas tree -- Imported trees can bring invasive species and emissions from shipping and trucking. Consider buying a local tree from Helemano Farms, or renting a tree from Kamaaina Land Plant Nursery. On Maui, take part in the Annual Christmas Tree Pull on Haleakala.

2. Combine errands to use less fuel -- Keep a list of errands and run them only when the list is full. This prevents unnecessary trips, and saves gas even if you stop and start because your engine stays warm, which is key to optimal fuel efficiency.

3. Get off junk mail lists to save paper, trees, and our climate -- Call the toll-free numbers on unwanted holiday catalogs and have your name taken off of their mailing lists. You can also visit www.catalogchoice.org or www.greendimes.com.

4. Use energy-efficient LED Christmas lights to decorate your home or tree-- LED Christmas lights may cost a little more, but replacing 3 or 4 strings will save you $10 to $15 in a single month.

5. Organize a Secret Santa gift exchange instead of buying gifts for all friends, family, etc. -- Free online tools create a list of participants for you that includes name, email, and gift wish-list; produce random pairings; and then email each member of the group. Elfster and Secret Santa Name Picker are two examples.

Click here to learn more about Kanu Hawaii's Simplify the Holidays Campaign.