Living the Green Life

First day hike – The clock has struck midnight, and a New Year is approaching. This is the perfect time to start the new year with a First Day Hike. Invite your family and friends—of course social distancing guidelines will apply. Gear up and get ready and stay updated on when and where you can take part in a First Day Hike near you. 

Reduce, reuse, recycle – gifting adventures can reduce the amount of material items and related waste during the holidays. But if you receive a material item to replace something you already own—such as getting a new sweater—remember to repurpose or donate the old one. Also, remember to reuse or recycle wrapping paper or other wrappings when possible. Save gift bags and bows for future use. If you are wrapping—make the wrapping part of the gift such as wrapping with a scarf, dish towel, basket, or other reusable item. Minimize waste while enjoying this holiday season.

A gift that gives back – Looking for a gift that gives back—consider a compost or vermicomposting bin. It not only provides a convenient method to get rid of organic wastes and food scraps but will eventually yield nutrient rich compost. That compost provides a welcome gift to house plants and gardens. Some parts of New York even offer composting services. A subscription to a composting service would be another green gift idea.

Draw names – looking to save some time and money this holiday season? Consider drawing names—that way everyone is just buying for one person instead of several. This will reduce cost, wrapping waste, fuel used in shopping, and once again—time.

Holiday hellos – save materials, stamps, and fuel by sending electronic holiday greetings instead of traditional paper cards. E-cards, or a seasonal email are just as appreciated and well-received.

In the spirt of the seasons – looking to decorate this holiday season? Make sure to use energy-efficient LED lights. Candles operated by reusable batteries are another festive way to celebrate. Looking for a change in holiday décor? Consider swapping items with family and friends instead of purchasing new. Remember holiday decorations do not go out of style—and reuse promotes holiday traditions. Learn how to reuse more and waste less.

Tech gifts – If you receive a new television, phone, laptop, or other electronic device this holiday season, make sure you properly dispose of any used electronics to keep e-waste out of our landfills. Find more information on electronic waste recycling.

Stocking stuffers – When filling stockings, look for items with little or no packaging. Try giving shampoo in a bar form, as opposed to the traditional bottle. Being conscious of packaging, you will be able to top off those stockings and help the environment. Read more about waste reduction.

Reducing single-use – To reduce your environmental impact this holiday season, try skipping single-use items and opting for reusables. When hosting meals you can ask guests to bring their own reusable containers for leftovers, or you can repurpose reusable takeout containers. Using secondhand or reusable serving dishes and serving spoons is another great way to opt for reusables. If you can’t use all reusables this holiday season, that’s okay—try your best to limit single use where you can. Every little bit helps to reduce waste!