Yes, some of them overlap. That's to be expected. They're reindeer.

Dasher: Turn off all electronic devices when you’re not using them.

Dancer: If you haven’t already done so, replace regular lightbulbs with LED lightbulbs. Compare the energy costs of new products and old products that need replacing. Often it will save more energy and money to buy something new than to fix an old product that isn’t as energy conscious. Learn about wind power and windmills.

Prancer: Use less hot water. If you have a dishwasher, use it instead of hand-washing dishes, and let them air dry. Take shorter and cooler showers. Wash clothes in cold or warm water instead of hot water. Don’t let the water run when you’re brushing your teeth.

Vixen: Adjust your thermostat. Moving it down just 2 degrees in winter and up 2 degrees in summer will save energy. Programmable thermostats make that easy! Also learn as much as you can about solar energy, as it’s the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy. There are now government programs that make solar panels for homes more affordable than in the past.

Comet: Recycle, recycle, recycle! Recycle products and household waste. Don’t litter! Composting is great! Stop buying bottled water. Use reusable water bottles, filters, and tap water instead!

Cupid: Avoid products with a lot of packaging. It’s essential to keep everything we can out of landfills. Write to companies to ask them to use biodegradable packaging. Also bring your own reusable bags to the grocery store.

Donna: Ask your parents to drive less, use energy-friendly cars when they do drive, and service them regularly. Walk, bike, carpool, or take mass transit more often. Keep tires inflated properly. Electric cars are the wave of the future. Lobby your government officials to tell them saving the environment needs to be a top priority.

Blitzen: Plant as many trees as possible. Take up gardening or buy local produce. Take responsibility for your actions where the environment is concerned. Don’t wait for someone else to do it. You must make changes to save Christmas and the Earth. We must all work together. If we can save the environment, it will be the most important thing we will ever do.

​

​

​

From "Emma and the Reindeer," copyright 2024, Linda Mansfield, Restart Communications.