6 Tips for Keeping the Holidays Green |
|
Forget disposable gift wrapping.
Save time and money, reduce waste and get creative with reusable packaging, such as:
Decorative boxes or tins you (or your recipient) can use year after year. See what you already have at home, or try charitable thrift shops such as Market Street Mission Thrift Store in Morristown. Cover empty boxes, such as old shoe boxes, by using up your stash of wrapping paper.
Fabric gift wrap, such as tea towels, bandannas, or scarves.
Replace plastic-based bows and ribbons with natural embellishments that celebrate the season, like pine cones, evergreen sprigs, cinnamon sticks, etc. Use your imagination!
|
|
Reconsider the type of gifts you give.
Instead of gifts with elaborate packaging or items that may not be needed, consider gift certificates for a favorite local business or restaurant, homemade items, food treats, or arrange for an enjoyable and memorable experience.
While plans for many kinds of in-person activities must be temporarily put on hold due to social distancing, explore "virtual" experiences such as tickets to a live-streamed performance. Check out Discover Jersey Arts @Home page for some great options!
|
|
Shop vintage and consignment shops.
Before heading to the mall, try local consignment and thrift shops for unique gifts, such as home decor, classic books, stylish clothing and accessories, and more. In Madison, visit:
Sprouts for childrenswear and maternity clothes.
|
|
Shop local to reduce your carbon footprint.
Shopping in Madison not only keeps money in our community and fosters local job growth, it also helps the environment when you drive less distance. Even better, you can walk or bike to where you're shopping!
When you shop locally instead of online, you also reduce pollution from delivery trucks and excessive packaging.
|
|
Avoid single-serving packaging.
Whether for entertaining or stuffing in holiday stockings, avoid single-serve packaging for snacks and beverages. Replace them with healthier, less wasteful options such as fresh fruit, homemade treats and bulk-purchased snacks (available at Whole Foods). Serve water and beverages in an attractive pitcher or carafe; a plate of cookies instead of individually-wrapped snacks. Use a pour-over coffee maker instead of K-Cups. |
|
Cancel the deluge of junk mail catalogs.
To opt out of catalogs you've already purchased from, you may need to contact the merchants directly.
|
|
|
|
Hosted by Waste Free Greenwich
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 10:00 AM
FREE
Hosted by Duke Farms
Saturday, Dec. 5, 10:00 AM
FREE
|
|
A Watershed Cookbook
Comforting Recipes from Neighbors Up- and Downstream
|
|
The Great Swamp Watershed Alliance (GSWA) staff has lovingly compiled a cookbook of their very favorite recipes, for those of us who have been cooking up a storm of comforting food since March.
Each purchase supports the organization's vital work to protect and improve the water resources of the Passaic River region, from the Great Swamp headwaters to Newark Bay, for present and future generations.
From chocolate chip espresso cookies to pumpkin gnocchi, vegan chocolate cake and tons more, the book contains over 65 tested recipes — complete with photos and clear instructions — including one from our 11th district Congresswoman, Mikie Sherrill, and recipes from GSWA staff, volunteers and friends. Most recipes have substitutions for using on-hand ingredients. You’ll also find illustrations and interesting facts about the Passaic River from source-to-sea.
Order your GSWA Quarantine Cookbook for yourself or as a gift today! Allow 7–10 business days for delivery from date of purchase. You may pick up your order from GSWA's headquarters. See details on order form.
|
|
|
|
Do you have a friend or neighbor who'd be interested in receiving Madison Environmental Commission's newsletter?
If so, please forward this email and let them know they can sign up here to receive future issues. |
|
Follow us on social media for environmentally-friendly tips, events & more! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
