Student Tribune
Green Tip: Holiday Sustainability
Holiday time can increase the amount of waste we all make. According to the
Association for the
Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education, "Americans throw away
25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year's holiday season. That
amounts to 25 million tons of garbage!" Here are some ways for you to be more
sustainable during this season.
- Shop locally - reducing gas used in travel while you support local
businesses.
- Look for gifts that don't require batteries - if they are needed, buy
rechargeable batteries and include them with the gift.
- Give gifts that are experiences - consider gift certificates to local
museums
- Make your own gift - edibles such as breads, cookies, and cakes are
delicious options and can be fun to make as a family.
- Be creative with your wrapping - use newspapers (Sunday comics), maps,
posters, children's artwork; or usable items like scarves, handkerchiefs or
bandannas that are gifts also! If every American family wrapped just 3 presents
in re-used materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football
fields. (AASHE)
- LED lights are more energy efficient, last longer and are safer (cooler to
the touch) - If you need new lights, buy LED.
- Bring your own bag! Remember to shop using your own reusable bag.
Penwarden, Ann
Sustainability Steering Committee’s Recycling Committee
11/16/2020