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MCC Daily Tribune

Green Tip: Green your Holidays

A 2021 analysis conducted by the Center for Biological Diversity found that Americans generate 23% more waste in December than in other months of the year. That equates to 5.8 million tons more waste in December, equivalent to 28,713 Boeing 747 airplanes. A gift that keeps on giving is when you reduce what you use. Focus on reducing this holiday season.

  • Reuse decorations from last year.
  • Avoid giving pre-wrapped treats (reducing wasted packaging). Bake fresh or buy in bulk and give in tins or other reusable containers. 
  • Swap out using sticky tape with ribbon or string.
  • Give reusable gifts such as a reusable water bottle or coffee cup.
  • Make your own gifts to reduce packaging. (homemade treats or crafts)
  • Avoid glitter. (It is made from plastic.)
  • Give vintage or recycled objects – it can be fun to find them and you are giving new use to the item(s).

Don’t forget to recycle after the holidays:

According to Monroe County Department of Environmental Services, between November and February each year, residents generate the highest amount of trash and recycling. Here are their tips to Recycle Right in Monroe County (residents from neighboring counties should check their recycling guidelines as they may vary some):

  • Plastic air pillows, bags, and film  - remove air and flatten, take to retailers (such as Wegmans, Tops, Walmart, etc.) and put in their plastic bag receptacles, or bring plastic bags to Ecopark
  • Plastic envelopes – look like bubble-wrap but labeled outside and entirely plastic, take to retailers, or bring to Ecopark.  NOTE!  Padded envelopes that are paper outside and plastic bubbles inside go in the trash!
  • Plain wrapping paper, gift boxes, bags and tubes – empty, flatten and recycle curbside, or bring to Ecopark.  NOTE! Metallic/shiny wrapping paper, boxes, cards go in the trash!  Ribbons, bows, tags, and other decorations also go in the trash – they are not recyclable!
  • Real trees are recycled at several locations county-wide. Be sure to remove all decorations, plastic bags, wires and nails from trees.

Ann Penwarden
Sustainability Steering Committee
12/12/2023