An Eco-friendly Season

by Vanessa Loy (BPRW)

As we begin this year with all of its promises and challenges, many of us face a seemingly minor issue: what to do with all that trash. Wrapping paper from gifts, packaging from party foods and debris from the Christmas tree may be piling up in your home, if you haven’t gotten rid of it already. If this scenario sounds like your household, make an addition to those New Year’s resolutions and resolve to handle your holiday trash in a more earth-friendly manner.

You may think that you as an individual don’t produce enough trash to significantly affect the environment. But according to the California Integrated Waste Management Board, the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day generates about a million extra tons of waste each week throughout the nation. That waste could be drastically reduced if all of us make a conscious effort.

The largest item for disposal in most households, the Christmas tree, offers many recycling opportunities. Many municipalities and community service groups will pick up used trees and use them for mulch in parks and other public areas. If this is not available in your community, you can use the tree for your own garden or donate to a neighbor. Just make sure all ornaments, lights and decorations have been removed.

The other main post-holiday trash source is packaging. This includes wrapping paper, tissue paper, ribbons, bows, bubble wrap, Styrofoam “peanuts,” plastic casing, canisters, tape and boxes. Most paper, plastic and cardboard items can be recycled if your community has a curbside recycling program or drop-off centers. You can also recycle all of these items for your own use.

Cut out the torn edges of used paper and use it for wrapping and packaging smaller gifts, or attach the pieces and make a unique wrapping paper. You can do the same with shopping bags, too. Save boxes, canisters and tins, which have uses beyond gift giving. They can be used as storage space and packaging during moves. Ribbons and bows are usually left intact, so they are reusable for next time. Not only do these habits help the environment, they save money, and that makes life green all year.