CleanScapes Tip: Go Green for the Holidays

During the holiday season there are many opportunities to go green. The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than any other time of year, which translates into an extra one million tons of waste generated nationwide each week. 
 


What can you do to reduce waste during the holidays? 

• Give Experiences. Support the local economy by purchasing gift certificates for experiences.  Look no further than local restaurants, museums, sporting events, concert halls, theater shows, and classes for everything from yoga to guitar lessons for a unique and special gift for every interest and age group. Or, give the gift of a shared experience and make a date to do something special together. 
• Shop Sustainably. With local and regional holiday craft fairs, it’s easy to support local artists, farmers and merchants. Other ways to shop green include purchasing items made from recycled content or items made from renewable resources, such as bamboo. And when you shop, don’t forget your reusable shopping bags.
• Re-Gift - Make it a white (elephant) holiday. The easiest 'shopping' can be done at home. “Re-gift” things that have gone unused or unopened and find these items a new home.
• Re-Charge. When you purchase gifts that require batteries, consider purchasing rechargeable batteries and a charger. Each rechargeable battery replaces up to 1,500 single-use batteries.
 
Give Homemade.
• Get crafty! Save money this holiday season by making your own gifts and cards. No matter your skill level, the sky is the limit for do-it-yourself projects. 
 

• Donate. Instead of a gift, donate to a charity in a friend or family member’s name.  Holiday donations are a great way to support local non-profits and help the community.
• Reduce Packaging. While shopping for holiday meals, consider buying in bulk, or purchase items with the least amount of packaging.
• Bring Your Own. It's easy to reduce waste when you bring your own travel mug to the coffee shop, take your refillable water bottle with you for on-the-go hydration, and stash your reusable shopping and grocery bags in the car to carry your holiday purchases. Reusable bags also make wonderful gift bags, and provide an eco-extra for your special someone.
• Around the Table. Before stocking up on single-use plates and cups, save money by using reusable and washable plates, cups, silverware, napkins, table clothes and serving dishes. For larger parties and a festive table, combine resources by borrowing tableware from friends. If you are looking to save money, purchase gently-used durable serviceware at local second-hand retailers.
• Holiday Recycling. Encourage your guests to pitch in. Set out and clearly mark your recycling bins, and if you have food scraps collection service, help guests keep food waste out of the garbage by using a collection container for food scraps.

Resources: 

Goods for the Planet  | Washington Festival Network  | Eco-Friendly Shopping  | DIY Holiday Crafts  | The Best Homemade Gifts  | Goodwill / | Guide Star Non-Profit List