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Did you know that Americans generate more trash from Thanksgiving to New Years than they do any other time of year?
According to Stanford University, this extra waste amounts to 25 million tons of garbage, or about 1 million extra tons per week! This shocking amount of garbage is a result of excess packaging from online orders, wrapping paper, large meals, and decorations. We can make a huge difference this year by adjusting a few simple choices.
The gift. If you want to shop sustainably this season here is how you do it. First before buying a gift ask yourself “do they actually need this item?” Next try to shop for used items, most of the time you will find what you are looking for. If you can’t find it used, shop at a local shop!
The wrapping. Cute holiday wrapping paper, boxes, and bags have become one of our worst enemies. Look for recycled cardboard boxes first, this way the box gets another purpose and you are helping save a natural resource. Create your own wrapping out of recycled paper. You can spice it up by adding holiday designs using stamps, markers or paint. Another alternative is buying or creating reusable cloth wrapping paper that can be used every year.
Travel & Transportation. I am talking about your body and the gifts here. When buying your gifts try shopping local first, this will save packaging materials and reduce emissions created to ship your present. You can also reduce emissions by the way you travel to each other. Try carpooling or taking the train as travel alternatives this year.
Have a class or group that wants to learn more about sustainablity through recycling and composting?
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