The shopping frenzy is nearly over and it’s almost time to enjoy the holidays. But how will you impact the environment this holiday season? There are staggering statistics on the amount of waste generated during the holiday season in the U.S.:
- Each year we send out 2.65 billion Christmas cards. That’s enough to fill a football field 10 stories high! Consider purchasing cards that are made from 100% recycled content paper, compostable cards, or even plant-able ones! Click here for more tips.
Now, let’s talk about gift wrap. Did you know that 50% of all paper used in the U.S. is used to wrap Christmas gifts? Growing up in my Polish family, we had the infamous “Grapotta” box. It was just an ordinary shirt box, but I think it has been kicking around since the early 70′s. Every year, it would be a mystery to see whose gift came in the revered box. A special message would be written to the recipient every year. Now, the original intention of this tradition was not to save the planet, but think about the impact that this simple action has had. We still have “Grapotta”, and it even has an offspring now, “Grapotta II,” but I now reuse every gift bag, piece of wrapping paper, box, length of ribbon or bow that I can until it can no longer fulfill its duty. If every family reused just two feet of holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet!
Last year at this time, I wrote about the debate between artificial trees and real ones and which one is kinder to the environment. Surprisingly, the more I learn about the many options there are for real trees after they’ve served their purpose, the more real trees come out on top as the greener option. This year you will have multiple opportunities to give your real tree a second life as mulch. Our neighbors at Helmer Nature Center will be providing this service on Jan. 9th. Click here for more information.
- I’ll leave you with one last holiday suggestion: While you’re home with the kids over the winter break, help out our little bird friends by making some recycled craft bird feeders. Click here for some great ideas!
Have a wonderful holiday season and wishes for a happy New Year!
- Tina Crandall-Gommel, Conservation Education Coordinator
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