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“Particularly around the holidays we just amass so much waste. It's an incredible assault on the earth every year, right around this time of year. There's a huge amount of stuff being purchased much of which ends up in landfills,” said Dr. Jack Manno, SUNY ESF.

Dr. Jack Manno points to a pin on his sweater to explain a more environmentally friendly holiday gift.

“The best things in life aren't things and I think the first place to look is what you can do that doesn't involve giving things like giving of yourself, giving of your time,” said Manno.

Make things to, making breads, making things that you enjoy making and giving to other people.

Another great thing is give memberships to organizations that you would like to support.

Of course, all kids want toys but pay attention.

“Particularly toys for young children. The most recent analysis that I've seen shows up to a third of all the toys had high levels of toxic metals and children put these toys in their mouths so it's important if you're thinking about toys to look at natural materials,” said Manno.

Think about buying local. There are so many craft fairs at this time of year. Go to them and support local artists and local craftspeople. There's no packaging, no transportation costs.

Another thing you can buy locally are plants not only are they an environmentally sensitive gift they are also a gift that can keep on giving. A lot of plants you can take cutting or harvest seeds from and then pass it on to friends and family sometimes for many generations into the future.

About Going Green:

Going Green is produced in cooperation with the College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Learn more about SUNY ESF by visiting their website, esf.edu.