Holiday Tunes

December 4, 2013

Holiday Tunes

Yes, we’ve heard it before…. Americans throw away 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and the New Year than during any other time of the year. Yet, we keep tossing more and more during the holidays.

All I Want for Christmas…is No More Catalogues!

According to Catalogue Choice U.S. households receive more than 83 billion pieces of advertising mail, including catalogues, of which 46% is never read and 38% is not recycled. Paper used to manufacture catalogs and other glossy advertising tends to contain less recycled content then other types of paper production, due to the desire for the catalogues to be composed of thinner, shinier paper. The production of the 20 billion catalogues mailed out each year uses up to 15 million trees according to Catalogue Choice. They estimate the energy used to produce and dispose of all that paper is equal to some 119 trillion BTUs, and accounts for 11 million tons each year of CO₂ emissions. On top of that there is an estimated 56 billion gallons of waste water generated, along with 4.1 million tons of solid waste.

While we all like to look at the nice pictures of items in catalogues, the Internet affords us an equally pleasing view of most catalogues. If ordering items from a company, consider ordering from their website. Online ordering is certainly faster and easier than ordering through catalogues and you don’t need the catalogue! Catalogue Choice offers an easy “opt out” online answer to many of the most popular catalogues. It may take some persistence on our part to eliminate catalogue mailings as retailers like us to receive their catalogues, but even a small reduction in catalogue and junk mail production can have a huge impact on our environment.

Oh Christmas Lights, Keep Shining On

Greening the holiday lights and recycling the old incandescent bulbs is good for the environment and reduces energy costs.  According to HolidayLEDs, LED lights are up to 99% more efficient, last up to 50,000 hours, are extremely durable, and create very little heat. The company also offers customers a chance to recycle their old incandescent holiday lights and receive a 15% coupon discount on any purchase of new LED holiday lights off their website. The Christmas Light Recycling Program opens up in October and closes at the end of February.

Rockin' Around the ChristmasTree

Holiday trees support local farmers in many places around the country. Some 500,000 acres of farmland in North America is dedicated to growing Christmas trees. Once the tree is cut down another one will be planted in order for the farm to remain sustainable. So holiday trees are not contributing to deforestation. However, it’s important to mulch or compost the tree so it doesn’t end up in a landfill creating methane gas.

Trees can be collected for mulch or compost in many communities. Be sure to only decorate with natural materials (such as paper) and not artificial snow or tinsel, which cannot be mulched or composted. Making popcorn strings and balls for decorating the holiday tree provides loads of family fun. Candies, ginger bread cookies, and more can adorn the tree. These tree “decorations” become an edible gift for the family to share and enjoy—and, they are compostable! (Of course, be sure your decorations are child and pet friendly and safe as well!)

All I Want for Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth

Does your mom really need that purple sweater that you were thinking of buying her? Perhaps, instead, consider a llama or goat purchased in her name for a family in need. Or, maybe tickets to a favorite sporting event or movie house. A gift of local services—from spa to car detailing—makes people happy, reduces waste, and supports the local economy. A home-cooked gourmet meal or “gift certificates” for home repairs or dog walking are practical creative ideas. Usable gifts, donations, and practical ideas without the need for packaging, can help all of us reduce holiday waste.

Gift certificates, movie passes, museum memberships, transit passes, etc. don’t require wrapping and are more likely to meet the needs of the recipient. Donations to a charity in a person’s name help a good cause while reducing waste. Or, consider practical environmental gifts such as compost bins, plants, or battery chargers.

Homemade gifts, such as food baskets, or locally made gifts also provide an option that helps to reduce waste and support the local economy. Homemade gifts are not just limited to knitting or baking (although these are great ideas!). Dried herbs, homemade bath scrubs, lotions, and more make pleasant gifts. Bulk items (such as treats, soaps, detergents, etc.) in refillable jars are also zero waste options. Reusable baskets or containers of local cheeses and other locally purchased items are another thoughtful idea.

Gifts of “experiences” are different and exciting. A fun idea for kids is a subscription to a “monthly surprise family activity.” This gift can be made practical to fit any family budget, provides for family together time, and fosters new explorations as a family.

Shopping at local reuse centers or thrift stores can offer surprising gifts, including attractive vintage clothing, jewelry boxes, vases, lunch boxes, games, and more. Reuse results in less waste, less resource and energy use, and supports local businesses. Reused items can often be repurposed to look like new. Creative clothing, jewelry, and other items can be repurposed from a host of used items.

Be sure to let extended family members and friends know about your efforts in creative gift giving. Passing along tangible gift ideas can help, especially when it comes to presents for children. Music lessons, gift certificates to local events, school and sporting needs, etc. are just a few thoughts.

Happy Holidays to One and All!