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trees during garbage collection. Trees can be mulched at various drop-off centers. Christmas trees can have multiple uses besides as traditional holiday decorations, said Cheryl Nicholson, executive secretary for the Wisconsin Christmas Tree Producers Association. From 'retro-simple' to fair trade For example, tree boughs can be used to cover winter flower beds. After the holiday season, placing a tree outside near a bird feeder attracts feathered friends. The tree acts as a sort of safe haven, helping protect birds from weather elements and certain predators. Wood can also be composted, although it takes a while to biodegrade. For green gift-wrapping, Nicholson recom- mends using paper grocery store bags or reusing cardboard boxes. Families can deco- rate with markers, crayons and colored tis- sue paper. "Make it kind of retro-simple," Nicholson said. Those who are concerned with social causes as well as sustaining the planet can seek out fair-trade gift items. "We represent artisans from over 30 eco- nomically developing nations (including India and South American countries)," said Sara Allison, director of retail and market- ing for Plowshare Fair Trade Marketplace, 219 W. Main St., Waukesha. Nations that engage in fair-trade business practices pay artisans a living wage for their work. Artisans typically receive 50 percent of their wages up front in order to buy nec- essary supplies. Allison noted that buying fair-trade items helps support artisans across the globe, many of whom are women, and their fami- lies, in part by enabling them to purchase necessary items for their children, includ- ing educational expenses. Plowshare, which opened in 1990, is the oldest fair-trade shop in Wisconsin. The store sells many upcycled (by-products or waste materials for creative purposes) items, among them wallets and purses made from inner tubes, home décor and jewelry made from bicycle chains and kantha beads or Indian jewelry created from wood scraps covered with colorful recycled fabric. The shop carries Mr. Ellie Pooh paper products, including journals, scrapbooks and cards. Based in Millersburg, Pa., the company sells items imported from Sri Lanka made from elephant dung and recy- cled paper. The products make popular gift items, Allison said. "I think that's as recycled as recycled can be," she added. For more information about Plowshare and its fair-trade retail items, visit HOME DECEMBER 2018 2 Distributed by: ©2018 by Conley Media Waukesha County Home is published monthly by Conley Media - Waukesha County, 801 N. Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53186. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. A publication of Conley Media Sales Director: Jim Baumgart 262/513-2621 jbaumgart@conleynet.com Editor: Dan Muckelbauer 262/513-2626 dmuck@conleynet.com Production: Patricia Scheel 262/513-2690 pscheel@conleynet.com Home Volume 7 ■ Number 12 ■ December 2018 2005 Silvernail Rd. Pewaukee 262-349-4809 www.3gvacuum.com 262851003 $50 Off any Miele Upright $75 Off any Miele Canister $75 Off any Riccar Upright $100 Off any Simplicity Upright PLUS 1 YEAR SUPPLY OF BAGS DECEMBER TRADE-IN SPECIAL Continued from Page 1 Photo submitted by Sara Allison Waukesha's Plowshare Fair Trade Marketplace sells upcycled, fair-trade items, including handbags and wallets made from recycled inner tubes. Eco-friendly: Holiday gifts made from inner tubes and even elephant dung There are many traditional and contem- porary ways to decorate for the holidays and beyond, both inside and outside the home. Consider a wide variety of lighting options such as: ■ Rope lights, icicle lights or net lights for bushes or trees ■ Multiple-function light sets that will do amazing things ■ Various sizes of bulbs from big, small, sphere, round and warm, cool or multiple colors ■ Pathway, spotlight or window lighting ■ LED lighting options as they are ener- gy-efficient and last for years. In addition to lighting: ■ Find paper, bows, boxes or bags to make presents pretty ■ Use ceramic buildings and accessories to create a Christmas village ■ Select small and large outdoor inflata- bles ■ Consider ornaments, wreaths, garland, tinsel, stockings, trees, tree skirts and more. ■ Choose Christmas decorations that have more of a wintry feel that can be used for a longer time frame. Making holiday decorations sparkle www.plowshareftm.org.

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