Green Hands USA: America Volunteers

It's Christmas day, and the gifts are unwrapped. As long as you're sitting next to your green Christmas tree, why not think about making it a greener year to come with these simple steps?

1) Buy recyclable batteries -- or try solar powered chargers. Too many toys and gadgets run on disposable batteries that could end up in landfills and leak dangerous chemicals into the water supply. Break that chain by investing in rechargeable batteries and a plug-in charger -- or try a solar-powered charger to power your cell phones, MP3 players and other small devices. You're sure to find plenty of options in the post-Christmas sales, so stock up and change your habits once and for all.

2) Properly recycle your old electronics. According to industry statistics, new TVs were just about the most popular gifts this year. But too many of those old TVs -- along with old now-replaced electronics -- will be disposed of improperly. You don't want your old TV to end up as e-waste in some third-world country do you? Search through the Green Tips archives here at GreenHandsUSA, where you can find dozens of options to recycle your old goods responsibly, safely and easily.

3) When you're not using your new gadgets, unplug them. A lot of electronics (not all, but more than enough) keep sucking juice out of the wall when they're idle. If you're not using something for a while, unplug it -- especially your kids' brand-new gaming platforms. Your savings will vary depending on your gadget, but trust me, they'll add up.

There -- just three little steps and your Christmas gifts will be much greener today and in the new year. So enjoy, and keep thinking green!