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An Exclusive Collection of Green New Year Ideas, Tips, Crafts for Worldwide New Years (for Halloween go here for Thanksgiving go here for Christmas and other winter holidays Go Here)
What's Here for the New Year:
Other New Year Fun and Trivia
Recycle Ideas
All Holidays:
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A resolution to color the world green
Make a resolution to take Planetpals One-Green-Thing-A-Day Pledge. It's a vatamin for a better world! Take it here, then send it to a friend...read more
Turn over a new leaf this New Year
Celebrate Peace and Harmony: a Guide to a more loving world!
It's a big world we live in with hundreds of countries and thousands of languages, a multitude of religions, time zones, holidays and celebrations. There is a lot to know about our world and the diversity of its people. Take time to learn what makes us different as well as what makes us the same!
All you have to do is reach out to those around you and you will make your small world a little bigger. Planetpals.com has some simple ideas to help you do just that:
- Make it a point to learn about other cultures and nationalities, particularly those of people you know.
- Have a "cultural" night each week with your family: try different ethnic foods, read about the culture or religion, find the country on a map
- Remember the world has many kinds of families. Invite new neighbors to your house and share your family culture, holidays or foods. Perhaps they will do the same in return.
- Read your children books about diversity, family types, cultures
- Teach your children a language
- Have an "around the world" party and ask everyone to bring a family dish and recipe.
- Bring someone new a cake, flowers or a gift, and introduce yourself and your family
- Do something kind for a neighbor, new, old, or in need...such as a surprise snow shoveling.
- Make friends with someone outside your immediate group of friends, introduce them and share friends, everyone benefits!
- Encourage your children to invite new kids to join them at play.
Say Happy New Year in Any Language
Check out Planetpals language dictionary to say "Happy New Year" in many languages. We wish all our PALS a rewarding and wonderful New Year in their language! Go here
Appyhay Ewnay Earyay!
Try a new language...this one is sure to be easy using the pig latin converter.
What is this PIG LATIN? That's right it is!
And Planetpals will teach you all about how to speak in PIG LATIN.
Planetpals knows how much our pals like to make new friends, and we are always trying to find new ways to help them out with our fun dictionaries: Hello dictionary, Chat Smiley Dictionary, Cool talk Dictionary, Happy Birthday Dictionary, and now the new PIG LATIN CONVERTER so you can talk in secret codes!
Try it out now!
What To Do With Outdated Calendars
It's the end of the end of the year and that means that your calendar is now outdated! Unless, of course, you are using a perpetual calendar, it's time to let go.
If you are like many people, you probably hate to just toss your beloved calendar in the trash. here are some great idea...read more
Don't forget to Recycle! St Judes Recycled Card Program For Greener Holidays!
What can be greener than finding a place to recycle and reuse everything after the holiday? St Judes offers us a meaningful holiday card recycle option....read more
Free Activities for kidsclub members Sign up for our Kidsclub List and get exclusive activities only available to members in your email.
Our ultimate list of tree hugging eco tips to dispose of that tree in a GREENER way after the holiday.... read more
The Year Ahead. Make Your Home More Energy Efficient
12 Great Energy Saving Ideas That Won't Cost You a Penny!
Start the new year right at home with Planetpals easy tips for you young or old:
- Always turn off the lights when not in use
- Use natural daylight as much as possible
- Make sure all doors are closed tightly
- Don't leave doors open longer than it takes to get in or out
- Use the automatic setting on your thermostat
- Use alternative sources of heat some of the time
- Wear warm clothes and you can keep the thermostat lower
- Don't open the refrigerator door more than you need to
- Read books instead of watching TV or playing electronic games
- Don't leave computers, televisions or other appliances on when not in use
- Don't put furniture or large objects such as toys in front of radiators
- Cover the bottom of doors where air comes in with a rug or door guard
Remember! Recycle! Be a Tree Hugger With That Christmas Tree!
Our ultimate list of tree hugging eco tips to dispose of that tree in a GREENER way after the holiday.... read more
Edible Food Art New Year Crafts:
Make Chinese Zodiac Animals or Dragons-Make one for each animal or one for the year
Make Chinese Symbols(or Islamic) rice cakes or cakes
"Make Chinese Animals" Bento Buddies
Here are more Bento Buddies that are wild!
Chinese Zodiac Pudding Pals
Dress up pudding, yogurt to look like this years symbol like this one!
Spelling Bee New Year Breakfast
No matter how you spell it--these pancake letters will put the wow in breakfast-Make the words Happy New Year or the Islamic or Chinese letters
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Planetpals Activity Books |
Top Ten Toy: Planetpals Puzzle!
Rated among top ten for this season!
5 puzzles available
Learn more |
Planetpals Products |
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Planetpals Green New Years
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We suggest you make decorations and gifts from recycled materials-It's the green way to go!
No matter what your New Years holiday is, one thing is certain, this is the time of year for gift giving and celebrating. While thinking of others don't forget the planet! Here are plenty of ways to THINK green this New Years.
Remember the 3 "r's: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
New Year Day: January 1
The Western New Year celebration is the oldest of all holidays. It was first observed in ancient Babylon 4000 years ago. Originally, the New Year began with the first New Moon after the Vernal Equinox which is the first day of Spring, and lasted for eleven days.
The Romans continued to observe the new year then, but continually tampered with their calendar until 46 bc when Julius Caesar finally declared New Years Day January 1. That is why the calendar is known as the Julian Calendar.
Unlike the west, the East traditionally observed the Chinese New Year. Now, most of Asia observes both.
New Years Traditions Worldwide
A New Years Cards for You
PICK UP YOUR CARD #1 from us to you! here
About Chinese New Year
Did you know that everyone doesn't celebrate the same new year? In the Far East, many cultures celebrate the Chinese new Year.
Chinese New Year can begin anytime between late January and mid-February.
In Chinese Zodiac, each of us belongs to one of the twelve animals based on the year we were born. If you don’t know your Chinese Zodiac Sign, here is a simple table to find out:
Zodiac Year of Birth
Chinese use Lunar calendar which does not match the western year exactly. In general, Chinese year start from mid-Feb, so when you try to find out your zodiac sign, make sure you take this into consideration.
Learn more about chinese new year symbols
The Chinese Calendar
About Islamic New Year Hijreyah
The Islamic New Year (Arabic: رأس السنة الهجرية Ras as-Sana al-Hijreya) is the day that marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar year, and is the day on which the year count is incremented. The first day of the year is observed on the first day of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic calendar.
It is celebrated in many countries and cultures.
Date with Respect to Gregorian Calendar
Since the Islamic year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian year, the Islamic new year does not come on the same day of the Gregorian calendar every year. While some Islamic organizations prefer determining the new month (and hence the new year) dates by local sighting of the moon, most Islamic institutions and countries, including Saudi Arabia[21], follow astronomical calculations to determine future dates of the Islamic calendar. The following dates on the Gregorian calendar correspond to the Islamic new year:
The Islamic (Hijri) Calendar
About Hindu New Year Diwali
One important festival observed by many Hindus is the Festival of Diwali, or the Hindu New Year. Diwali, or sometimes spelled Divali, is celebrated late October or early November. Lakshmi, the goddess of fortune, is the honored deity of this festival. This is a time to visit friends
and family, clean, and to give gifts and cards. People decorate their homes with flowers and bake sweet treats. These treats are made into the shapes of flowers, human beings, and animals.
On this day, many Hindus start the day with a cleansing ritual. After a bath, they then put on their finest clothing. Most clean house and some even go as far as to white wash their homes on this day. Flowers are placed as decorations throughout the house. This is because the goddess Lakshmi loves flowers. Some people build an altar to Lakshmi and decorate it with symbols of prosperity, cars, homes, and fake money.
At night there are usually fireworks displays. Homes are full of light. Traditionally, wicks burning in mustard oil give off this light. However, candles are also used to light homes. Saucers, or chirags, filled with mustard oil are placed on window sills and on roofs.
The Hindu (Indian National) Calendar
Jewish New Year Rosh Hashana
Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year festival and commemorates the creation of the world.
This festival marks the Jewish New Year and begins with ten days of repentance and self examination, during which time God sits in judgement on every person. The festival is also known as the Day of Judgement, the Day of the Sounding of the Shofar, and the Day of Remembrance.
Over the two days of Rosh Hashanah, there are special services at the synagogue. A musical instrument, called a shofar, is blown. It makes a loud piercing sound like a trumpet and reminds Jews of God's great power.
People eat slices of apple dipped in honey. This is a way of wishing each other a sweet and happy New Year.
Happy New Year - 'Leshanah Tovah Tikatevy'
The Jewish Calendar
New Year Traditions Worldwide
Did you ever wonder what other countries do on new Years? For instance in Italy they throw food out the window and other old things as part of the "out with the old in with the new" theme. In japan they spend New Years day cleaning the house from top to bottom. Check out Father Time--it tells you what different countries customs are for new years.
Planetpals Eco Calendar-Get Ready For Next Year:
Year long Eco Calendar of Worldwide Events and Celebrations
Check out Planetpals Eco Calendar
What Holiday is TODAY?
Did you ever wonder "is today a holiday in Tahiland or South Africa or...?" Find out who celebrates what and when with this simple EARTH CALENDAR!
Ask the Earth Calendar Check it out! Very cool!
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PP Holiday and Topic Pages: |
Your guides to Green Living all year long! |
Green Halloween |
Green Thanksgiving |
Green Winter Holidays
Eid, Chanukah, Christmas, Kwanza |
Green New Year Holidays
Western, Chinese, Islamic, Jewsih, Hindu |
Green Valentines Day, White Day |
Green Spring Journal |
Green Earth Day, Earth Hour, Green Days |
Green Summer Journal |
Green Back to School |
Green Peace and Peace Day |
Green Gardening
Tips, ideas, crafts. organic gardening, too |
Green America Recycles Day |
Green Arbor Day and Year of the Forests |
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Planetpals Blog |
For more New Year ideas Planetpals New Year Board Pinterest |
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Planetpals Green New Years
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Have a Green New Year Party
We suggest you make decorations and costumes from recycled materials-It's the green way to go!
Use these tips:Ten great party tips for a greener event. Plus a free Recycle Party Sign to download.... read more
New Year Recycle Crafts
Make Brown Bag Party Hats: make these hats or hats from other containers for New Years, birthdays, halloween, dress up whatever!
Best Directions for Party Hats Ever! make these for New Years, birthdays, halloween, dress up whatever!
New Year Noisemakers on a Stick Great for any age! Use yogurt cups
New Year Noisemakers
These are fun for preschool! Paint them to match your holiday and use beans inside to make noise as well as paper punch. *milk bottle caps also work as end caps!
Covered Tube Noisemakers-use recycled gift wrap or tissue
New Years Shiners Plastic tubs and bottles cut up to make sparkles
Water bottle noisemaker Also for any age--decorate to match the holiday!
Gift Wrap Blowers. from Martha Stewart - Great recycle crafts for new year using gift wrap scraps and paper leftovers
Ribbon spool noisemakers. Save your ribbons from holiday wrap. Fill them and decorate!
DIY Disco Ball made from recycled CD's. Why not recycle an old Christmas ornament.
Brown Bag Pinata-fill a brown bag..paint or decorate with tissue scraps. Fill with paper scraps or newspaper. Add a strin. Foil gift paper would be cute for New Year.
Pie Plate Masks can also be done with disposable plastic or paper plates. Use recycle materials to decorate!
Shoe Box or Food Box Dragon. Decorate using recycled materials
Egg Carton Dragon. Paint and decorate this clever Chinese New Year toy.
Paper Lanterns Use recycled paper or magazine pages
Chinese Drum Made with a CD
Islamic Holidays Rhamadan, Eid
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Pillars of Islam Mobile
Make Arabic Alphabet Blocks
Jewish Holidays ( Chanukah Etc)
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Make a Popsicle Stick Manora and Dradle 4 Chanukah
Popsicle sticks are so versatile!
Chanukah Candle Holder Simple from milk or juice cartons
Milk Carton Dradle Made with small milk carton Painted
Green Christmas / Holidays
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See crafts, ideas, party tips etc for New Year here:
GREEN Holidays Guide
Planetpals helps You Make Your Own Gifts!
One way to make gift giving greener is to make your own gifts! try some of Planetpals recycle crafts and make a gift (or holiday decor) for someone you love:
More gift ideas here
Holiday Presents Recycle Crafts:
Make a Recycle Treasure or Tool Jar!
Planetpals Exclusive!
Unique Ideas, how to instructions, samples. Make a treasure jar for holidays, mothers day, fathers day, everyday. Simple and Easy.
Recycle Trophy Cup
Lots of fun for any special person made from cups and paper rolls. "World's Best Mom" "World's Best Dad" "World's Best Brother" or "Best Soccer Player"."World's Best Planetpal" Possibilities endless and so cute!
Mini Tool Boxes from Recycled Tins
Perfect for Father's Day!
Simple idea-paint them one color or paint a design. Just an old tin (any size) and a handle.
A Key (Chain) That Will Stay Close to Dad's Heart!
Exclusive Planetpals
Use recycled materials, trace hand onto recycled paper or cardboard, reduce in a copier...directions
Make a Memory Box or Memory Greeting Card
Perfect for Father's Day, Mothers Day, Anyday!
Start with recycled paper, card or make your own paper from recycled paper.
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Paper Making Recipe
Exclusive Planetpals
Learn how to make paper for many thing from scrap paper and discards and recycle
Mosaic Picture Frame One of my Faves. Popsicle sticks or an old picture frame and junk mail or old cards! Make xmas gifts from xmas cards-or other holidays. Cut up magazines and do animals or whatever! Fun! Add a string use as an ornament!
Rolled Paper Picture Frame or mirror: Another great frame idea. Roll magazine paper or junk mail and glue it on an old frame or mirror. An upcycled gift! These sell in stores for upwards of 15.00!
Make a Recycled Button Bracelet
Planetpals Exclusive!
Directions for making recycled buttons and beads bracelets and tieing a jewelry knot
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Make a Recycled Button Pins
Planetpals Exclusive!
Directions for making recycled button Pin from old jewelry and buttons-plus free stencils
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