Greening the Holidays

"Green your holidays" with these tips
from EPA and make memories, not waste!

The extraction and production
of materials, fuels, and food
contributes to about half of
all global greenhouse gas
emissions. By reducing your
waste, you play an important
part in slowing climate change.

The infinity loop demonstrates
the way a circular economy
keeps materials and products
in circulation for as long
as possible.

M Give the gift of experiences to
loved ones, or consider gifting
lOUs for your time (babysitting,
pet sitting, or preparing a home-
cooked meal).

M Prevent food waste by planning
' ' holiday meals for the right
number of people. Freeze or
plan to share your leftovers with
others so nothing goes to waste.

fe-4 Look for products with less
'' packaging or items that are
wrapped in packaging that can
be recycled or reused.

M Use ENERGY STAR LED holiday
lights when decorating.

M Feeling a bit overwhelmed by
*' your To-Do list? No need to wrap
gifts ... let others know you're
going green!

M Reuse cherished decorations
*' from year to year.

M Shop used to keep lightly-used
*' products out of landfills.

Browse the growing used and
refurbished marketplace online.

M Shop local with your reusable
cloth shopping bags and
multi-use water bottle.

M Reuse paper bags, newspaper,
*' children's artwork, and fabric
scraps to wrap gifts. Steer clear
of gift wrap and tissue paper
(especially foil or metallic!)
which are typically not
recyclable.

Receive a gift that's not for you?
Donate it to a thrift store, or
regift it to someone who will
appreciate it more.

Give yourself the gift of
* ' knowledge and learn your
local recycling rules.

Recycle old electronics that
can't be resold or donated.

Compost or mulch your live
Christmas tree. Many cities
offer collection programs for
trees and yard waste. Or
place your tree in your
garden to provide shelter for
birds and smaller animals in
the winter.

www.epa.gov/recycle

SEPA

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