- Dec. 3, 2010
- 5 Ways to Reduce Holiday Trash
The holiday season's upon us. And with Hanukah, Christmas, Kwanza and other year-end holiday celebrations comes presents. And with presents comes wrapping paper. Mounds and mounds of wrapping paper, along with boxes, holiday cards, letters and the like.
All that paper can be an eco disaster.
According to the EPA, we Americans generate 1 million tons of household waste during the holidays. That’s a massive 25 percent spike in waste from the standard 4 million tons of household trash each year. Just tossing the Christmas cards alone could fill an entire football stadium.
Can we do anything to reduce holiday trash piles? You bet. Here are some simple solutions:
These are just a few ideas. Do you have others? Let us know! The next time you give or receive that ugly sweater, boring pajamas or lousy CD, at least the wrapping will bring holiday cheer.
All that paper can be an eco disaster.
According to the EPA, we Americans generate 1 million tons of household waste during the holidays. That’s a massive 25 percent spike in waste from the standard 4 million tons of household trash each year. Just tossing the Christmas cards alone could fill an entire football stadium.
Can we do anything to reduce holiday trash piles? You bet. Here are some simple solutions:
- 1. Use your newspaper instead of wrapping paper. It saves your wallet and the planet.
- 2. Pack your gift in a reusable gift bag or tote. The tote could be as big a hit as the gift itself.
- 3. Instead of a bow, decorate your eco gift wrap with sprigs of berries, branches or pinecones from your yard.
- 4. Send your holiday greeting cards—like the ones with the picture of your kids—via email.
- 5. Use recycled or tree-free greeting cards.
These are just a few ideas. Do you have others? Let us know! The next time you give or receive that ugly sweater, boring pajamas or lousy CD, at least the wrapping will bring holiday cheer.
- Posted by:
- Dean, the PR Dude
- Category:
- Sustainability
- Comments
