Make Your Holidays Green

Holidays are full of festivities, friends, family, food...and trash. Often the parties and meals result in a large amount of waste for the landfill. This year make a plan to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Take your own reusable bags when you go shopping so you will not add to the number of plastic bags that are used.


• Purchase items that have a minimal amount of packaging.


• Be creative with gift wrapping so that you do not waste resources.


• Think before you buy. Select items that are durable and useful.


• Send electronic greetings to your family and friends.


• Choose plates, glasses, bowls, and utensils that are reusable instead of disposable.


• Plan carefully so that you do not prepare excessive amounts of food.


• Select holiday decorations that can be saved and reused.


• Donate unwanted or unneeded gifts to an organization that can use them.


• Make it easier to recycle by having bins for recyclable materials conveniently located.

What will you do to make your holidays green? Add your suggestions to this list.