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Helpful Hints
If you're looking for some practical ways to make an impact right now, check out these ideas!
ECO-TIPS
Have an Eco Christmas – A Few Recycling Tips
Wrapping Your Gifts. Avoid shiny and metallic wrapping paper as this type of wrapping paper cannot be recycled. If you want to dress your gift up, use raffia, decorative string, and paper bows. Traditional ribbons and bows are too hard to recycle and go to landfill.
Have you tried fabric wrapping? It’s called furoshiki, it’s a lovely idea and can look beautiful. Just avoid buying new fabrics for this as textile waste is a bit of an issue. Use some fabric you have around the house, or think about wrapping gifts in a tea towel or something that can become part of the present.
Recycling Packaging. Cardboard can be recycled in most curbside recycling bins. Polystryene will need to be taken to a specialist recycler, so check to see if there is one in your area. Packing peanuts can be recycled at a few locations (UPS stores often time accepts these); some peanuts are be biodegradable. If they can be broken or crushed they are made of cornstarch and can be dissolved in water. Plastic bags and bubble wrap can often be recycled at groceries and other retail stores. Check it out.
Christmas Cards. If you want to buy cards, look for cards made from recycled cardboard. Another idea is to send an electronic card; this is a nice way to send a message to more distant relatives and friends. Most Christmas cards can be recycled as they are usually paper-based. Cards with embellishments like glitter, ribbons, or foil cannot be recycled. Also, keep an eye out for the ones that play music. These cards have a battery in them, so make sure you remove it and recycle it at your nearest battery recycling point.
Christmas lights. If a string of lights is at the end of its life, many e-recycling services will accept them as part of their small electrical collections. Check it out!
A few more ECO-TIPS
From Susan Vogt
Dec. 5: ENERGY
EASY: With colder weather impacting most of the northern hemisphere, resist the urge to turn the thermostat higher than 72°. Wear layers. Put on a sweater (or two 😊).
CHALLENGING: Assess the need to increase wall/roof insulation or buy new energy efficient windows with a low ‘U rating.” Act on your research.
Dec. 12: GIFT GIVING
EASY: Give quality/interesting gifts that you already have but no longer need. Donate to a cause in someone's name.
CHALLENGING: If you have a talent, hand-make a gift or offer a service instead of buying something. Instead of buying plastic or inflatable lawn decorations, create a scene with sleds, snow people, etc.
Dec. 19: REDUCE PLASTICS
EASY: Avoid things with glitter. Glitters are made from micro-plastics and are ingested and detrimental to fish, birds, and other wildlife.
CHALLENGING: Buy in bulk rather than individually wrapped items. Check out local “Zero Waste” stores and fill your own reusable containers.
Dec. 26: CLUTTER
EASY: Hopefully you’ve received a nice Christmas present or two. Identify one current possession that you no longer need and donate it to someone who does need it.
CHALLENGING: Choose one room or closet to do a deep dive decluttering day. If relatives or friends don’t want your extra stuff, research the best places to recycle or dispose of them. Act within the month.
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