 "The end of the year gives us a moment to reflect on our choices and
look forward to new beginnings," said Scott. "This is also a good
time to revisit successful recycling practices that have positive
impacts on the environment, or change some old habits and make a
resolution to adopt a greener lifestyle."With holiday festivities
often comes an increase in the amount of garbage we all produce in
our homes. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 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. The extra waste amounts to 25 million tons. In fact,
38,000 miles of ribbon alone is thrown out each year -- enough to
tie a bow around the Earth.
The amount of garbage is not the only item to increase in homes
this season. Making holidays bright can lead to increased energy
usage and the potential for higher electricity bills.
The Illinois EPA offers some simple ways to cut waste, conserve
energy and otherwise be "green" during this busy holiday season. The
agency urges everyone to reduce, reuse and recycle, not only during
the holidays but every day. Many "green" tips, suggestions and ideas
can be used year-round. Here are some simple steps you can take to
incorporate a more environmentally friendly lifestyle:
-
Minimize your car
use whenever possible to save gas and reduce air pollution. Take
public transportation, carpool with a friend or walk when you go
shopping or to holiday parties.
-
Bring your own
reusable bags from home. When buying gifts, consolidate your
gift purchases into one bag rather than getting a new bag at
each store.
-
Consider the
durability of a product before you buy it as a gift. Before you
make a purchase, consider how long the item will last. Often, a
cheaper item will wear out long before its more durable
equivalent, which can be passed down to others.
-
Buy gifts that are
kinder to the environment, such as compact fluorescent bulbs,
low-flow shower heads, cloth shopping bags, a solar-powered
calculator, educational eco-toys, refurbished computer, backyard
composter, rain barrel, refillable thermos bottle, and
recycled-content stationery and notepads.
-
Choose
rechargeable batteries rather than disposable batteries to
accompany your electronic gifts. About 40 percent of all battery
sales occur during the holiday season.
-
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. You
can also try sending electronic greeting cards to reduce paper
waste.
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-
Consider
nonmaterial gifts. How about a gift certificate or coupon for
dinner, music lessons, pet-sitting, house cleaning, guided
tours, prepaid class registration, a massage at a local spa, or
tickets for a sporting event, museum, concert or play?
-
Make edible gifts,
such as breads, cookies, preserves, dried fruits, nut mixes or
herbed vinegars. Give baked goods in holiday tins or baskets
that can be reused.
-
After gifts have
been opened, take foam peanut and bubble wrap to a mailing or
shipping store where they can be reused. Save boxes and bows for
reuse.
-
Invest in your
family and friends. Instead of giving a gift, contribute to a
child's savings account, education IRA or give them a U.S.
Savings Bond. Or, give a monetary donation in a friend's name to
a favorite charity.
-
Think up creative
gift wrapping ideas. Wrap gifts in the comics, old calendars or
maps, decorated brown grocery bags, or a colorful piece of
fabric. Also remember to save gift boxes, ribbons, bows and gift
wrap to use next year.
-
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.
-
Consider using
energy-saving, solid-state, light-emitting diode holiday lights
and strands. LED items are up to 90 percent more
energy-efficient than 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 leftover
items 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.
-
If you're going away from home for the
holidays, turn down your thermostat and put lights on timers to
save energy.
[Text from
Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency
file received from
the
Illinois Office of
Communication and Information]
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