Practical, environmentally friendly holiday waste reduction tips      

'Tis the season to reduce, reuse and recycle

[DEC. 16, 2005]  SPRINGFIELD -- The holidays are upon us and, with the festivities, there often comes an increase in the amount of garbage we all produce in our homes. It has been estimated that Americans throw away 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than during any other time of the year. In fact, 38,000 miles of ribbon alone is thrown out each year -- enough to tie a bow around the Earth!

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency offers some simple ways for you to cut waste and conserve resources during this busy holiday season. Many of the ideas can be used year-round.

• When you go shopping, bring your own reusable bags from home. When buying gifts, consolidate your purchases into one bag rather than getting a new bag at each store.

• Think durable! Consider how long an item will last before you make a purchase. Often, a cheaper item will wear out long before its more durable equivalent.

• Not sure what to get someone? How about a gift certificate to a favorite store or restaurant? That way, you know the gift will be used.

• Consider wrapping gifts in recycled or reused wrapping paper or funny papers. Also remember to save or recycle used wrapping paper.

• If you send holiday cards, buy recycled-content cards and envelopes. Or, make your own cards out of last year's cards and the wrapping paper you saved.

• Buy rechargeable batteries to accompany your electronic gifts, and consider giving a battery charger as well.

• Take the foam peanut and bubble wrap from your purchases to a mailing or shipping store where the wrapping can be reused. Save boxes and bows for reuse.

• Got a new microwave, toaster, clock radio, toy or coat? Consider giving away your old appliances, toys, games or clothing to a local charity or thrift store.

• Give cookies and baked goods in holiday tins that can be reused.

• Consider using energy-saving, solid-state LED holiday lights and strands. Light-emitting diodes use about 99 percent less energy than larger, traditional incandescent holiday bulbs.

• If you plan on entertaining, have clearly marked recycling containers at your party for guests to recycle their cans and bottles. Put leftovers in reusable containers and send them home with guests.

• If you're shopping by mail-order catalog, remember to cancel the ones you don't need.

• After the holidays, look for ways to recycle your tree instead of sending it to a landfill. Check with your local solid waste department and find out if they collect and mulch trees.

Additional tips for making your holiday season "greener" can be found at www.epa.state.il.us.

[Illinois Environmental Protection Agency news release]

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