Greening in the season

Considering we're a sniff away from Atlanta, recently named the most toxic city in the United States by Forbes magazine, it's worthwhile to be thankful that Athens earned a spot on the list of the country's 50 greenest cities in a survey published by Popular Science in 2008.

Athens was 33rd on that list, but still, we're green, by golly, and that means at least some of us are willing to make small adjustments to our lifestyles to be a little greener. And what better time to put that greening to the test than during the holidays.

Today, as we prepare to decorate for the season, we're looking at some decorative items that are a bit easier on the environment. After all, it adds up: wrapping paper, ribbon, boxes, driving to the store, shipping stuff to the stores in the first place. Truth is, it ain't easy being green. But combing cyberspace and, better yet, local stores, it's not hard to find sustainable stuff.

So here are some things that lighten the toxic load a bit. And if everyone joined in, well, you know the rest. But let's just say, judging by its track record, maybe Atlanta should follow Athens' lead for a change.

Holiday cards

There's a really good variety of cards out now made from recycled paper.

We found some lovely ones at Helix, 146 E. Clayton St., by Snow & Graham, made from 100 percent recycled paper and vegetable-based inks. If you're buying in bulk, check out online sources, including cardsdirect.com (find "recycled cards" under the holidays/occasions heading).

This company also has an option for personalized photo cards on recycled paper.

And mygoodgreetings.com has a huge variety of photo card options, all on recycled paper.

Wrapping paper

So how much of this gets balled up in plastic bags and set out at the curb? It's staggering, really. Instead, consider reusing the very newsprint you're reading right now (the newspaper still beats the Internet in at least one way, right?) Or paper grocery bags. Have your kids help decorate the wrapping with ink stamps and markers.

Other options: save chips bags (the ones with the silvery insides); turn them inside out, rinse them off and trim carefully for a free version of the metallic silver that sparkles so under the tree lights.

If those options don't quite do it for you, check out Sweet Organics and Naturals (www.sweetorganicsandnaturals.com) for some great holiday gift wraps that have the added benefit of being made from 100 percent post-consumer fiber with vegetable-based inks, are chlorine-free and packaged by adults with developmental challenges. To boot, the manufacturer plants one tree for every 10 packs sold. (They carry bio-degradable ribbon as well.)

Lights

LED lights can be found on the shelves of superstores and online. Yes, they're more expensive: A single strand might set you back up to $30.

But the