Holiday Wrap-up Recycling Program

Remember to Recycle Holiday Waste

Shop from home, either electronically or through catalogs.
Plan ahead. Making a list will save time, money and last-minute shopping frenzies.
Consolidate shopping trips. Less driving means less wasted on gas.
Call the 800 number on the back of mail-order gift catalogs to cancel the ones you don't want.

Consider purchasing a potted tree to decorate and plant in your yard later, or buy an artificial and reusable tree.
If you buy a cut tree, reuse it as habitat for birds in the back yard during the winter months. Hang feeders or suet balls on it, and mulch the tree in the spring.
Get outdoor light strands that are wired in parallel. These have separate circuitry so that if one bulb goes out the rest will keep shining.
Make decorations out of natural materials.
Make homemade tree ornaments out of things you already have around the house.

Look for gifts that are: durable, not overpackaged, energy efficient, made with recycled materials, recyclable and not made of tropical woods.
Keep it simple. One thoughtful gift is better than six wrapped packages of unwanted gifts.
Donate unwanted gifts to charity.
Give gifts that reduce environmental impacts, such as household goods like reusable linen napkins or reusable canvas shopping bags, educational items, plants that reduce indoor air pollution.
Use reusable or recyclable wrapping paper.
Don't wrap oversized presents.
Give gift certificates or gifts that don't need to be wrapped.
For gifts that require batteries, purchase rechargeable ones.

If you are planning a holiday party or open house, try not to use disposable utensils, plates, napkins, or tablecloths.
If you have a lot of extra food, donate it to the shelter, and compost the smaller scraps.
Prepare food in quantities minimizing oven use.
Buy 36-exposure film rather than 12 or 24 exposure to reduce the amount of packaging and film containers.
Walk to neighborhood parties or carpool with friends if too far to walk.