Bamboo woven wood shades can make for a green Christmas

Christmas is a season of joy, but it's also a season of stuff - households across the country accumulate piles of ribbons, wrapping paper and other refuse. This year, many families are doing their best to conserve their resources, which is easier on wallets and better for the environment.

Those who don't know where to start when designing for a green Christmas should first replace wrapping paper with recyclable items, such as newspaper, according to The De Soto Explorer.

If that isn't aesthetically-pleasing, one may instead choose to stock up on reusable gift bags. Other creative wrapping solutions include bandannas, scarves, baskets and pillowcases.

For holiday dinners, it's also advisable for families to try and avoid using disposable dinnerware. Spend those extra minutes scrubbing dishes and turn extra food into a compost pile.

Individuals should also make an effort to buy local gifts or create their own, instead of purchasing plastic.

Those who are looking for a way to keep a home warm during the winter and also invest in new window treatments, bamboo woven wood shades can prove to be a green option. These beautiful shades are harvested from bamboo, a renewable resource that requires no pesticides or other chemicals for growth.