Keep Christmas Green with these Recycling Ideas

By Helen Venada, Waste Reduction and Hazardous Waste Coordinator
San Juan County Solid Waste Division

The US Environmental Protection Administration(EPA) reports that Americans discard more than 25% more household waste (5 million tons!) between Thanksgiving Day and New Year’s Day…packaging, decorations, broken toys, etc. San Juan County’s Solid Waste Division has some suggestions to help reduce holiday waste going to the landfill.

Please share these Christmas ideas (and your own) to do more with less.

GREEN GIVING:
* gift bags made from recycled bags and papers
* cards made from recycled papers
* brooches made from bottle tops, paper and brooch backs

GREEN WRAPPING:
*Cover large gifts with colorful fabric or sheets
*Use scarves, kitchen towels, or other useful fabrics as wrap
*Tie packages with ribbons or colorful string (rather than seal with tape)so receiver can unwrap easily and reuse wrappings next year.

GREEN DECORATING:
* lanterns made from recycled paper, string and glitter glue
* wreaths made from wire or coat hangers, plastic bags and recycled material
* themed bunting flags made with recycled papers (See, for sample instructions, https://missloviecreations.blogspot.com/2012/06/flag-bunting-tutorial-and-free.html)
* tree wall decorations made with recycled papers
* decorations made with plastic containers, string and glitter glue

* AVOID SPRAY SNOW, unless it’s labeled non-toxic
* Choose LED lights which use 80% less energy.

GREEN PARTYING:
*Use non-disposable dishes, utensils, cups, tablecloths.
*Serve local or organic food.
*Reduce electric lighting to set soft mood.

GREEN NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION, 2013:
I will find thoughtful, creative ways to purchase, decorate, package, share food and fun in the new year to avoid creating waste, as much as possible!

Peace & Good Cheer to all of you!