Living the Green Life

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Green Holidays

While white fluffy snow may be the wish of many come late December, having a “green holiday” is important too. That is taking actions and making choices with the environment in mind. You may even find that having a “green holiday”—has some economic benefits for you as well—saving some “green”—money—in the process. Here is a holiday list which is “nice” to the environment to help you get started:

Take charge of battery recycling – remember rechargeable batteries should not be put in the trash or household recycling bins. Find a drop-off location near you.
Keep electronics out of recycling bins and garbage – if you purchased a new TV, computer, or other electronic during the holiday season you may be looking to get rid of an old one. Understand how to properly recycle electronics and utilize a manufacturer take-back program or locate a collection site. DEC’s website provides information on recycling consumer electronic waste.
Reduce food waste around the holidays (and year-round too!) – when planning holiday dinners be sure to:
- Make a list and stick to it.
- Properly store ingredients and leftovers.
- Use your leftovers and try new recipes.
- Realize that “imperfect” produce tastes and cooks the same.
- Send leftovers home with guests in reusable containers.
- Compost food scraps*.
  - Remember items such as turkey bones and meat do not belong in the compost pile. They will not break down properly and may attract wildlife.
Recycle evergreen trees used for the holidays – when no longer used for décor. Make sure to properly dispose of real trees and keep them out of landfills to benefit wildlife and the environment overall. And don’t forget real or fake—trees do not belong in the home recycling bin.
- Your municipality may offer a free tree collection program that will turn your tree into mulch or compost.
  - Remove all lights and decorations.
  - Reach out to your local department of public works or visit DEC’s website for tree recycling events.
  - Think outside the box:
    - If you have room in your yard, the tree can be placed as brush to provide shelter for the birds during the winter. It may also yield bird-watching opportunities as well – get the binoculars ready!
    - See if a farm near you accepts trees for goat feed. Pine trees have needles which are high in vitamin C. Please contact the farm directly and make sure they are accepting trees prior to dropping anything off.
    - Learn more about holiday tree recycling.
Reduce holiday gift waste – help our environment and avoid waste before it starts.
- Give memories instead of clutter.
- Remember products purchased use valuable resources to produce, ship, and manage its end life. Consume only what is really needed and thoughtfully purchase. Doing so will help save our planet’s limited resources and reduce waste – before it starts.
Use wrapping alternatives – avoid using single-use wrapping paper. Here are some options:
- Scarves.
- Old newspapers/maps – comics can be a fun choice.
- Tea towels.
- Reusable shopping bags; and
- Upcycled gift bags.

Looking to help our environment year-round? Dec’s website has information on recycling, composting and more.

Did You Know That?

4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper is made in the U.S. annually. One-half of that ends up in landfills. And that is over 10 times the weight of the Statue of Liberty

55% of U.S. consumers may return unwanted presents after the holidays.55% of U.S. consumers may return unwanted presents after the holidays

17% above the annual average – that is the increase of post-holiday returns.17% above the annual average – that is the increase of post-holiday returns

Be a Friend of the Environment

Away from “home for the holidays” – bring personal care products with you. Use reusable containers and consider environmentally friendly options such as bar shampoos. DEC’s website provides information about small plastic hospitality bottles.

Your “turn” to give -- 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.

A gift that keeps giving- give a gift in honor of your friend or loved one by giving to a favorite charity or cause.

Hearth at home -- Make sure you use local firewood and learn before you burn. DEC provides information on residential wood burning.

Be comfy and cozy - as days get shorter and the weather gets cooler try putting on a sweater instead of raising the thermostat. At home? A warm blanket may provide just enough warmth to keep you comfortable during the cooler days ahead. Zone heating, such as using an electric portable space heater in just the area you are using may prove helpful as well.