By Patti Lynn, Recycling Resources Manager
Quick – what time of year generates the most trash for landfills? That’s right, it’s the holiday season. There’s online shopping and shipping, wrapping paper, more uneaten food, new toys, and electronics. You get the idea. Household waste increases about 25% this time of year!
Can you be more TrashSmart? Try these ideas (or even just one!):
- Downsize – Smaller gathering, less decorations, careful gifting* so you create less waste
- Reusable, durable plates and silverware, cups, napkins, tablecloths (ask about renting)
- Shop (and wrap!) with reusable bags
- Electronic invitations – Evite®, Greenvelope, Punchbowl®
- Plan for guests to bring food in their own containers they can take back home, OR
- Have guests bring reusable containers for leftovers they may take home
- Cleaning the house – old socks for dusting rags; microfiber fleece cloths are washable
- Vinegar for glass surfaces
- Online resources like this “Guest-imator” can help you plan how much food you need
- *Gifts for experiences – tickets to an event, museum or zoo membership, cooking class or trip
- *Gifts of your time – Babysitting, pet sitting, gardening help, lessons for a new hobby, teach someone a new skill
- *Gift cards for services, not goods – gas stations, car washes, hair/nail salon, massage, lawn service, audio books, pet services
- Homemade food and gifts show your creativity, time, and effort
- Wrap gifts in reusable items such as cookies in a flowerpot, or wine bottle in a new dishtowel
RECYCLING BIN: Non-metallic wrapping paper and greeting cards without batteries
COMPOST: Evergreens, tea bags, coffee grounds, leaves, twigs, fresh cranberries, produce scraps
GARBAGE CAN: Cellophane, tissue paper, musical greeting cards, plastic ware
BATTERIES are special - Here’s what to do with them
So, this year...celebrate how mindful you are with sustainable consumption and disposal practices. What GOOD behaviors and habits can YOU start on your way to being TrashSmart? And New Year’s resolutions are just around the corner...
