Celebrating the new year of the trees is a good time to save trees by reducing use of paper products.

Savor eating from washable plates, glasses and silverware and using cloth napkins and tablecloths. When hosting a large event, ask guests to bring their own place settings from home.   

When providing disposable paper goods, check out products made from recycled paper at health food stores. Brands include Seventh Generation, Natural Value, Green Forest and store brands.  

Wild Oats carries compostable plates, dessert plates and bowls made of sugar cane fiber by StalkMarket; compostable cold drink cups made from corn by Greenware; and cutlery by Preserve made from recycled plastic.

To save fossil fuels, look for fruits and nuts that are grown organically and locally, and try oil lamps, or candles made from beeswax or soy oil (check in Judaica giftshops and health food stores) instead of petroleum-based paraffin candles.

When cleaning up after the event, wash tablecloths, napkins and dishtowels in environmentally-friendly detergents. Consider directing the water from your washing machine to a gray-water system to irrigate trees in your yard. Use the solar dryer (clothesline). Consider installing a solar heater or preheater for your hot water needs.