The holiday season is the number one season for garbage and waste being thrown away. You can enjoy your holidays and still stay on the green side by putting a little thought into your gifting and traveling. It’s tough not getting caught up in the shenanigans and joy of the holidays and become careless with recycling and following your normal green way of life. It seems much easier just to toss unnecessary items than to save them for later use or try to come up with a sustainable way to dispose of them.
The truth of the matter is that most wrapping papers cannot be recycled. By not purchasing wrapping paper for everyone’s presents will save trees, use less oil for the dyes and will free up some space at your local landfill.
Since wrapping paper is coated with shiny gloss and covered in petroleum based dyes it is not recyclable unless otherwise stated on the packing. Here’s a few ways you can put a little more green into your holiday season.
Wrapping Paper is So Yesterday
Don’t wrap your presents using dollar store wrapping paper. It’s pointless and as I mentioned above, completely unsustainable. Try using paper bags and decorating the outside with markers or stickers. Get creative. You can just use a simple box and make it as vibrant and as appealing as you want. You will be able to recycle it if you are disposing of it or keep for future holidays. Another option is to purchase plain brown gift bags that can be recycled and can also be reused.
Family Trips
If you and your siblings are going to visit your parents this year, try carpooling as much as
possible. Also, if you are coming from far away to join in the festivities, consider taking the bus. Not only is it the best and cheapest for of public carpooling but it will save wear and tear on you and your vehicle. You can take a nice long nap or kick back and read a good book while making the long trip. Once at your destination, you will continue on carpooling with your family and friends. Ultimately, you will have more energy for the things that means the most instead of wasting it on driving or flying.
Holiday Cards
Instead of killing yourself getting holiday cards out to everyone you know; try sending a nice thoughtful letter via email to all your loved ones. If you have time, you can write personal letters to everyone on your list. It is much easier than ordering cards, printing mailing labels, getting stamps, standing in line at the post office for an hour then having them shipped halfway across the country. By simply emailing, you will save gas/oil, time, energy and money. Makes sense right?
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