Focus Yoga student Karen Smith has a special interest in reducing waste and practicing smart recycling whenever possible. We were chatting with her last week about Focus Yoga's efforts to be green. Holidays can create a lot of waste, and Karen graciously offered to put together a list of ideas to make the green even greener in this season.
Buy battery free gifts. According to the EPA, about 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. Discarded batteries are an environmental hazard. When battery use is unavoidable use only rechargeable batteries, as they eventually find their way into the waste stream but at least they have been recharged various times. Click here to visit a site that offers a few examples of gifts that have less of an impact on the environment.
Cut down on the waste of wrapping paper. Use materials like paper grocery bags flipped inside out and decorated, or the comic page of a newspaper for kids. Other great wrapping materials include old maps, sheet music and magazine ads. Shiny, metallic and plastic-coated wrapping paper can't be reused or recycled, but there are lots of wrapping papers and ribbons that are made of 100 percent recycled waste, and gift bags are a great reusable option.
If you're mailing gifts, think green. Re-use your saved cardboard boxes, and use packing materials like newspaper and cardboard (please, no Styrofoam packing peanuts!).
Turn down your thermostat before your party. As guests arrive, the room’s temperature will rise to a comfortable level and you will save on heating.
Use real dishes. While disposable plates and silverware are easier if you're hosting crowds, the environment will thank you if you buck up and do the dishes. If there are leftovers after Christmas dinner, send guests home with extras in pre-saved glass jars instead of plastic wrap.
Use LED (and solar), holiday lights. They are available in many colors and styles. They consume 10% the amount of energy as the traditional lightings. Use a timer on them to limit the time they are on. If you have “old-school” lights, enjoy them until they need to be replaced. HolidayLED.com sells LED lights, and also has a recycling program that accepts old holiday lights.
Recycle everything possible after the parties are over.
Reconsider your old gift giving habits and make a change. Talking with friends and family about changing old gift-giving habits before the rush sets in, can ease the financial and environmental pain of the holidays. This year, try buying green gifts (many are under $50), making charitable donations to environmental groups, or buying antiques, vintage items or locally made gifts instead of new stuff. Re-gifting makes perfect sense too. If you received something you really don't need, look for ways you can reuse this gift by passing it on to someone who can use it!
Emphasize togetherness and people over things. Music, games & cooking together create memories and teach our children (& ourselves) that love & friendship are zero-waste.
Buy battery free gifts. According to the EPA, about 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season. Discarded batteries are an environmental hazard. When battery use is unavoidable use only rechargeable batteries, as they eventually find their way into the waste stream but at least they have been recharged various times. Click here to visit a site that offers a few examples of gifts that have less of an impact on the environment.
Cut down on the waste of wrapping paper. Use materials like paper grocery bags flipped inside out and decorated, or the comic page of a newspaper for kids. Other great wrapping materials include old maps, sheet music and magazine ads. Shiny, metallic and plastic-coated wrapping paper can't be reused or recycled, but there are lots of wrapping papers and ribbons that are made of 100 percent recycled waste, and gift bags are a great reusable option.
If you're mailing gifts, think green. Re-use your saved cardboard boxes, and use packing materials like newspaper and cardboard (please, no Styrofoam packing peanuts!).
Turn down your thermostat before your party. As guests arrive, the room’s temperature will rise to a comfortable level and you will save on heating.
Use real dishes. While disposable plates and silverware are easier if you're hosting crowds, the environment will thank you if you buck up and do the dishes. If there are leftovers after Christmas dinner, send guests home with extras in pre-saved glass jars instead of plastic wrap.
Use LED (and solar), holiday lights. They are available in many colors and styles. They consume 10% the amount of energy as the traditional lightings. Use a timer on them to limit the time they are on. If you have “old-school” lights, enjoy them until they need to be replaced. HolidayLED.com sells LED lights, and also has a recycling program that accepts old holiday lights.
Recycle everything possible after the parties are over.
Reconsider your old gift giving habits and make a change. Talking with friends and family about changing old gift-giving habits before the rush sets in, can ease the financial and environmental pain of the holidays. This year, try buying green gifts (many are under $50), making charitable donations to environmental groups, or buying antiques, vintage items or locally made gifts instead of new stuff. Re-gifting makes perfect sense too. If you received something you really don't need, look for ways you can reuse this gift by passing it on to someone who can use it!
Emphasize togetherness and people over things. Music, games & cooking together create memories and teach our children (& ourselves) that love & friendship are zero-waste.
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