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MCC Daily Tribune

Green Tip: Enjoy a Sustainable Holiday Season

Holiday time can increase the amount of waste we all make. 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.

Interested in being more sustainable this holiday season?  Check out the Center for Biological Diversity’s Simplify the Holidays site for alternative gift ideas such as DIY/Handmade gifts, experiential gifts, skill sharing, food and donation gifts. Earth-friendly traditions are also listed with ideas for simpler entertaining such as a gourmet potluck party or celebrating with coffee and dessert instead of serving a full meal reducing potential food waste.

Other ways to be sustainable this holiday season:

  • Shop locally - reducing gas used in travel while you support local businesses.
  • Give vintage or recycled objects – it can be fun to find them and you are giving new use to the item(s).
  • Consider a small, live, containerized tree that can be added to your landscaping in the spring rather than a cut tree.
  • LED lights are more energy efficient, last longer and are safer (cooler to the touch) - If you need new lights, buy LED.

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
12/13/2022