Happy holidays! Christmas is this week and what better way to celebrate than by making new, green habits? This year, we’re giving some way to be more sustainable while staying safe during the pandemic.
- Getting a new phone for Christmas? Drop off your old one at Staples, which is a part of the Sierra Club cell phone recycling program, or sell it at a buyback site. Millions of cell phones are thrown out each year and recycling yours will prevent hazardous elements from ending up in landfills and nature.
- Donate! Many families will need gifts, clothes and food this season so instead of throwing away used clothes or toys, consider giving them away. You’ll feel the holiday spirit and make someone’s day in the process.
- Find alternatives to wrapping paper. A lot of typical wrapping paper is not recyclable because of shiny coverings and colors. Instead of buying that fun, patterned paper, use newspapers or old magazine pages.
- If you’re getting a real tree (which is more environmentally friendly than reusable plastic ones) recycle it when you’re done using it. So many trees end up in landfills once families are done with them when they could be turned to mulch or wood chips. The National Christmas Tree Association gives more tips on their website on how to make sure your tree finds a new purpose!
- Volunteer! If you’re unsure of what gift you want consider donating to an organization. If you have a lot of free time on your hands, plan to pick up an area of your neighborhood.
Those are our five tips for this year’s holidays. For 2020, try to pick at least one to do. Trust me, it will make your Christmas a little greener and brighter.
Works Cited:
EarthHero. “11 Tips for a Sustainable Holiday Season.” EarthHero, 15 May 2019, earthhero.com/11-tips-for-a-sustainable-holiday-season/.
SmFootprintFamSmallFootprintFamilysmallfootprintfamily, Dawn Gifford, et al. “12 Ways to Have an Eco Friendly Holiday.” Small Footprint Family™, 23 Nov. 2020, www.smallfootprintfamily.com/eco-friendly-holiday-tips.