As you prepare to start the New Year, did “Be more green” make it onto your list of resolutions? Start by considering the waste generated through the holiday season and vow to make your 2010 greener. The following are a few post-holidays recycling tips.
Packaging
When possible, save reusable bits of wrapping paper, tissue, ribbons, gift bags and boxes for reuse for future gifts. Sort by type and neatly store in large gift bags hung on hangers in the spare closet. Recycle plastic clamshells and cardboard packaging in the curbside recycling bin.
For future gift giving reduce packaging by using gift bags and decorative boxes that don’t require additional
paper wrapping. Just add a fabric or biodegradable raffetta bow. Consider greener packaging options like biodegradable paper, post-consumer paper, newspapers (such as the brightly colored comics section), brown craft paper or butcher paper decorated with food coloring instead of paint or glitter (which shouldn't be composted).
The UPS Store accepts returned packing peanuts or, better yet, find the type that biodegrades in water. Instead of packaging peanuts, use crumbled newspapers, craft paper or popped popcorn for cushioning. Ask the recipient of your gifts to "Please Recycle" after they've opened their gifts.
Greeting Cards
While many electronic holiday cards are available, there’s something special about receiving handwritten greetings the old fashioned way. When purchasing greeting cards, avoid those that feature foiled envelopes and embellishments. These can’t be tossed into recycle bins. Look for cards made from recycled content which can be recycled again. Look for speciality cards made with compostible paper or seed cards (that can be torn
up and planted to sprout up spring flowers).
A few creative ways to reuse old Christmas cards include cutting off the backs and making them into postcards, gift tags, ornaments or decorations. Frame or laminate the most sentimental or prettiest ones to display on tables, walls or mantels.
School classrooms can use old cards for craft projects, illustrations, laminated placemats or coasters. Cut off the backs of old cards, bundle and send by U.S. Post to St. Jude's Ranch - they will make new cards from old ones. Send to: St. Jude’s Card Recycling, 100 St. Jude Street, P.O. Box 60100, Boulder City, NV 89006.
Lights
Trade in your old string of lights for energy efficient LED strands. They burn cooler, last longer, and use
much less electricity. Check out sales after the holidays.
Christmas Tree
For some, artificial trees may be easier and cleaner to set up and maintain than fresh cut trees. Them come prelight, don’t require water, won’t shed needles, and are better for the allergy prone. A quality one will last for many years and won't require driving around town each year to pick up.
For those who prefer real Christmas trees, the benefits are they produce oxygen, prevent soil erosion, and provide shelter for wildlife while they are growing on tree farms. Trees are are harvested when they are about 4-5 years old. Tree farms plant replacement saplings for those that are cut. If you purchased one with
it’s root ball still intact, you can plant it in your yard after the holidays.
Some communities offer curbside pick up of yard waste, including Christmas trees, but branches must be cut down to less than four-feet long and bound by twine. In some areas, trees are sunk to the bottom of lakes, ponds, or the ocean to create temporary shelter for fish. Trees can also be chipped for mulch. Additionally, fresh greenery from wreaths or centerpieces can be composted. Make sure to remove all the lights, ornaments and tinsel before recycling.
As a part of a statewide effort, Keep Georgia Beautiful hosts the annual Bring One for the Chipper on Saturday, January 9, 2010. Participating recyclers will receive a seedling while supplies last. Find participating locations at the KGB web site.
Check with your local solid waste department, Boy Scout troop, or Keep America Beautiful affiliate for more participating Christmas tree recycling events and year round recycling efforts. Have a Happy Green New Year.
