eHow.com, the world’s leading how-to site and single stop for holiday project information, shares top tips and trends in going green this holiday season.

Now that UN Conference on Climate Change has come to a close, and consumers are increasingly concerned with their own carbon footprints, green is on the mind of everyone from Michelle Obama and Olivia Wilde, to Cedric the Entertainer and Alanis Morissette. But what are some simple ways the average consumer can become more eco-friendly and get involved in helping the planet starting in their own homes?

“How to Reduce Holiday Waste” and “How to Have a Gift-Less Christmas” are two trends people are looking to tackle in order to keep their promise to protect the planet. They’re doing this by giving alternative gifts, replacing holiday-lighting bulbs and skipping out on plastic decorations – and there’s more.

“You can definitely wear the same dress in a different way to different parties. If you need a great statement necklace, but don’t have the money to buy one, just take a bunch of necklaces you already have and wear them all at once!” says Project Runway Season 6 contestant and eHow contributor, Carol Hannah Whitfield.

Here’s how eHow.com’s nearly 60 million visitors are learning to make a difference – and stay in style – during the happiest time of the year:

1) Start simple by shopping with canvas or vinyl bags – The number of plastic grocery bags taking over our landfills is staggering. If you only remember to bring a re-usable bag half the time, you are still making a big difference.

2) Recycle wrapping paper – Even if wrapping paper isn’t salvageable for future gifts, shred and save it for packing material. If you have too much, call your local mail center and ask if they would be interested in using it.

3) Recycle your batteries – For those hundreds of toys that are battery operated, power them with recyclable batteries. Get a simple re-charger for under $20 and save money as well as our landfills.

4) Get creative with gift-giving for less – Think notebooks made from recycled or tree-free paper, jewelry made from recycled gold, bamboo and organic cotton linens or bamboo furniture and kitchen items. An alternative? Simply go charitable, donating to your favorite charities in lieu of gifts.

5) Switch light bulbs for energy-saving LED bulbs – Light up the outside of your home without adding to your energy bill. LED bulbs last more than 10 times longer and use less energy than regular bulbs. Or take it one step further and invest in solar-powered LED light strands.

6) Prep your holiday wardrobe in an eco-friendly fashion – Read the labels for not only fabric listings but also how to wash. If it is dry clean only, choose an eco-friendly cleaner. Washing by hand is great and hanging to dry is even better (and keeps your clothes looking new longer). Buying vintage clothing saves the bag, the tag and the shipping overseas.

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