By: Ashley Currie - iHOSPITALITY iNC.
Contributing Green blogger

Recycle, Reuse, Reduce: have these keywords been engrained in your memory yet? These are the 3 R's that provide a simple guideline to help you become more conscious of your own carbon footprint. Now, let's take a look and see how these 3 things can be incorporated into your holiday shopping experience this year. It is important for consumers to realize steps in the green direction are not hard or expensive to accomplish. Below you will find several holiday shopping eco-tips that readers can follow for the season along with incorporating into their everyday shopping experiences.

* Reusable Bags: Remember to always keep a reusable bag in your car. This way wherever you are shopping you can always have one on hand and avoid having to take home the dreaded plastic bag.
* Holiday Decorations: Take a quick scan of your holiday decoration closet (we all have one) and see what you will be reusing and what you want. If you find items that you feel will not be used this season, check with your local non-profits that assist families to see if you can donate your items. You can always start a DIY(Do-it-Yourself) project like the cork wreath(pictured above).
* Say no to receipts: Many stores are now asking if you want a receipt printed or allowing you the option of not wasting paper. Why not, most of the time your receipts end up in the trash anyway.
* To Wrap or Not To Wrap: I know the kids, along with many adults love the excitement of unwrapping their gifts, but the paper wasted is equivalent to 50,000 trees each holiday season. Try reusing, old wrap and gift bags. Make it a theme and wrap up gifts together. For example, if you are giving socks, pajamas and a robE...just make the robe your gift wrap! Now, if you still need that snowman gift wrap make sure you recycle.
Check out:
www.earthsavers.org a local recycling company or www.nashville.gov/Recycle/Centers/drop_off.asp for area drop off locations.
* Buy Local: Did you know buying from a local establishment allows you to give back and support the community in which you leave. This is a noble reusable step if I may add. You wonder how is this reusable...by taking the steps to buy local you are in essence recycling your money and putting it back into the same community in which you live, work and play. Your money can then be used in the new improvements made to your town square or the small business that is thriving, providing additional jobs for your neighbors.