How to Be Earth-Friendly During the Holidays

Between Thanksgiving and New Year's, most of us will throw out 25 percent more trash than at any other time of the year. Here are some tips to reduce what you consume, give and throw away throughout the holiday season.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Party Supplies
• Rechargeable Batteries
• Aluminum Foil
• Glass Containers
• Party Decorations
• String Along Light Sets
• Aluminum Foil
• Tape
• Old Newspapers
• Ball Game Tickets
• Concert Tickets
• Movie Tickets
• Tape
• Twine
• Twine
• Tape

1. Save paper by wrapping presents in newspaper or gift paper from previous years. Old wrapping paper can also be used to make gift tags. Tie packages with twine (a natural fiber).

2. Reuse the plastic polystyrene packaging "peanuts" that come in the gift boxes you receive. If you have too many "peanuts" and would like to drop them off somewhere, chain stores like Mail Boxes Etc. will accept them.

3. Use newspaper and tissue paper instead of buying plastic "peanuts" to protect your gifts when sending items by mail.

4. Give presents like movie, concert and sports tickets in place of physical gifts. The only thing that gets thrown away is the ticket, which can be recycled later.

5. Consider opening a savings account for a younger family member or adding money to an older member's existing savings account.

6. Purchase rechargeable batteries when giving electronic gifts.

7. Buy smaller-sized holiday lights to conserve energy. These are also safer than larger lights because they give off less heat.

8. Rent tuxedos and formal gowns to wear to holiday parties, especially if you know you will only need the item one time.

9. Walk or carpool to parties to save fuel.

10. Think about renting tableware for your parties, instead of buying throwaway plastic items. Most plastic utensils, plates and cups cannot be recycled unless they are plastic Type 1 or 2 (the number will be indicated on the bottom of the plastic item).

11. Plan meal portions ahead of time if you are throwing a party, so you don't have to throw out any food. Also, plan in advance the meals you will make with your leftovers. Save extra room in your freezer for leftovers.

Tips & Warnings

• Neatly fold and save used wrapping paper and gift bags for next year.
• Since you will be running the dishwasher many times during the holidays, remember to wash only when there is a full load. Try air drying your dishes to conserve energy.
• Homemade food is always a great gift to give. Be sure to present it in recyclable containers like glass or aluminum.

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on 11/22/2005 Recycle the cookie tins you buy or get as gifts. Simply wash them and paint them in a solid color, for use year-round. There are some really unique sizes and shapes of these. The only thing "wrong" with them is that they have pictures of cookies or Christmas scenes on them. So, just paint over them. A stack of these (creatively painted) in your kitchen, holding your own cookies or napkins (or even storing letters in your closet) looks neat and decorative. This is both practical and pretty!

on 11/22/2005 Use scraps of material to wrap presents, or make reusable cloth gift bags. Leftover wool and string can be used instead of ribbon. The material can be reused for future wrapping, or for sewing. It looks great, too!