Tis the season to give, celebrate and renew. It only takes a
small commitment to protect the environment. Here are some simple
ways you can make a difference this holiday season:
Gifts/Gift Wrap
Bows, bags, fabrics, newspaper comics, magazines and decorative
boxes can be used for gift wrap. These items can also be used for
holiday décor, and reused every year. If you don't feel like reusing
your wrapping for gifts, run it through a paper shredder and use the
result as colorful packing material.
If you get gifts mailed to you, make sure you aren't throwing
away the box and plastic packaging. Cardboard can be recycled in
many curbside programs or at centers, and plastic peanuts can also
be reused by shipping stores. Use Earth 911's recycling locator at
the top of this page to find out the location nearest you to recycle
these.
Trees
There will always be a debate as to which are more Earth
friendly: real Christmas trees or fake ones. On the one hand, fake
trees are reusable and cut down on the emissions produced when you
drive to the Christmas tree farm every year.
However, fake trees are often made with polyvinyl chloride (PVC),
which not is a non-renewable, petroleum-derived plastic that
pollutes neighborhoods near the factories it is produced. These
trees also contain traces of lead, which is why the trees may have a
warning saying not to inhale any dust from the tree.
Another option is to use a live, uncut tree with roots intact
that can be planted in your yard after the holidays.
Ornaments/Cards
Make ornaments at home with items you may normally recycle (e.g.
paper towel cardboard rolls, toothpicks or popsicle sticks, old
calendar pictures, old Christmas wrap). Old holiday cards can also
be used as ornaments or for holiday décor.
Speaking of cards, one environmentally-friendly approach is to
create new cards by cutting the picture off. With the ever popular
use of computers, try sending E-cards so you will save paper.
Energy
The holidays fall during winter, when temperatures are colder
depending on your location. Energy consumption is higher in the
winter as a result, but keeping a watchful eye on how much you are
using will pay dividends for your carbon footprint and your
pocketbook.
Use a timer on your holiday lights to avoid keeping lights on all
night; you can save a lot of energy this way. Also keep an eye on
your thermostat, as only a few degrees of temperature can make the
difference in both the environment and your electric bill. Lower
your thermostat when you are not home to save more energy.
The holidays are also a time for large dinner parties and lavish
feasts. When cooking with your oven, don't open and close the door
to constantly check on your food, as the temperature will drop 25
degrees each time you do. The same thing happens in reverse when you
leave the refrigerator open while you are unloading ingredients.
Other Useful Tips
Use dishes, silverware and cloth napkins instead of disposable
utensils and paper products. Avoid wasting food by cooking only the
amount of food necessary.
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