Christmas Waste Reduction and Recycling

Waste is a huge problem during the holiday season: people typically produce twice the amount of it than they do normally. Check out a few ideas below to help you recycle, reuse, and reduce this Christmas.

(Almost) Waste-free Gift Ideas:

1. Nonmaterial gifts can be some of the best. Give away concert or show tickets, or take that person to a cool event that they’ll enjoy. Sharing in the experience can be more meaningful and heartfelt than anything store-bought.
2. Food gifts are awesome! Cookies, cupcakes, and other baked goods are just some examples of things that can spread the holiday cheer. Or create a home-cooked meal for you and your friends to share.
3. Another meaningful idea is to make a charitable donation in the name of your gift recipient.
4. If you do go shopping for gifts, bring a tote bag to carry them in to reduce plastic. Buy useful, thoughtful presents.
5. You can also search on the internet for gifts that are made from reused or recycled material.

Get Creative with Wrapping:

1. Use reusable cloth drawstring bags to stow your presents in. In festive colors and with a little creativity, they can look just as nice as the ones in shiny wrapping paper.
2. Buy reusable gift bags that can be used again and again. Or you can take some clean shoeboxes, wrap them in colored paper, and use those to give your gifts in. Your recipients can reuse these boxes, too.
3. Save your used gift wrap for next year! It’s a creative way to save money and the environment.
4. Shipping something breakable? Use unbuttered popcorn instead of Styrofoam for the filling.
5. Decorate an unwrapped gift with a simple ribbon, or dried leaves and flowers.

Recycle Your Tree:

1. Consider buying a live tree. They’re fresh, smell lovely, and can be replanted outside after the season, or kept indoors in a large pot for use again and again.
2. If you do buy a cut tree, remove all the tinsel, lights, and ornaments before sending it off.

What to do with Leftovers:

1. Trays leftover from office and large home parties can be donated to homeless shelters.
   Spread the Christmas cheer and get in touch with one in your area.

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