Student 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.
Penwarden, Ann
Sustainability Steering Committee
10/19/2022