As we celebrate the holidays, American household waste increases by more than 25 percent. We get trash cans with full of shopping bags, bows, ribbons, packaging, wrapping paper, gingerbread houses, fireworks, plastic plates as so much more. Let’s be mindful of sustainable consumption.
Giving
- Give “anti-matter.” Gift an experience, rather than items that might turn into clutter. Concert tickets, park memberships, arcade gift certificates.
- Impart values, not wasteful habits. Donate to a favorite charity in the recipient’s name. Start a child’s savings account.
- DIY wrap. Reuse comics, newspaper, or that old poster. Use recycled paper or a reusable bag.
Celebrating
- Light smart. Choose efficient and durable lighting.
- Make it last. Choose durable items that you can use year after year.
For the new year
- Reduce. Donate old toys, unwanted gifts, and old clothes.
- Reuse all those gift boxes.
- Recycle those old batteries and electronics
About the Author:
Aide Robles is a Ph.D. student in the Delgado Lab studying Environmental engineering. She researches bioremediation of trichloroethene and microbial chain elongation.