Now that we’ve stopping scurrying around in preparation for the holidays, we’re all liking looking around and seeing plenty yet to be done in the wake of a hectic season.
The tree, the lights, the presents, the boxes, the bags and bows, the piles of Christmas cards!… WHAT to do now? Well, let me help…
Here is a very simple list of things you can do to curb the waste, make the most of the season and keep it green!:
- The Christmas tree – if you had a live-cut Christmas tree, check out Earth911 to find a drop-off so it can be turned into mulch or composted (if your community doesn’t offer the service). If you have a wooded area near your house, give it back to nature for a wonderful winter habitat for animals. If your tree is artificial and you’ve considered a replacement, donate your old tree. Many organizations and needy families would love them for next year.
- Packaging and boxes – everything from gift packaging to the shipping boxes the gifts arrived in… either recycle them (if they aren’t usable again) or save them (along with the reusable packing materials) for when you need to ship something. If you have more than you can handle, list and sell them through Box Cycle.
- Gift bags, ribbons, bows and tissue – simply fold, flatten and/or store. They can all likely be used again (and again!).
- Lights – if you have strands that have permanently gone out, take advantage of clearance sales and stock up on new LEDs for next year’s energy-efficient decorating. You can also check out HolidayLEDs.com… they’ll accept old incandescents and give you a 25% discount on a new LED purchase.
- Clear it out! – make way for new gifts by cleaning out what is no longer needed and donate them to charity. Clothes, toys, books, household items… everything is useful for someone, or an entire family, in need!
- Christmas cards – ever heard of St. Jude’s Ranch for Children? Well, they’d love to receive your Christmas cards! This non-profit organization cares for abused, abandoned and/or neglected children. They accept used greeting cards (including Christmas, birthday and even “Thank You” cards), the children remove the fronts and attac
h them to a recycled paper backing. They turn them into new greeting cards… and then sell them! Bundle them up and mail them to:
St. Jude’s Ranch for Children
Card Recycling Program
100 St. Jude’s Street
Boulder City, NV 89005
As you get your post-holiday life back in order there is some work to be done but, rest assured, there are plenty of wise, green choices that can be made as we bid the year farewell…
I LOVE this follow-up on how to recycle christmas cards! So glad St. Jude’s Ranch for kids is doing this! Thank you for following up on this. Much much appreciated!
.-= Alok Appadurai´s last blog ..Inspiring Women- Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg =-.
Alok – it IS an extraordinary project! Glad I could share it with you and please share it with others! Happy Green New Year! 🙂
I will definitely do so! I will Tweet it right now. Happy Green New Year to you and your family as well! Thanks!
.-= Alok Appadurai´s last blog ..Inspiring Women- Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg =-.
I am for helping needy children but consider the trade off. The postal and shipping industry uses fossil fuels to move our mail and packages. Some of it even flies on carbon heavy jets. Does your local youth group, school, old folks home , hospital, need art supplies? Old cards, wrapping paper and phone books are just a few of the items that might not have to hit the recycling bin.
As the stuff you plan to use next year gets packed consider organising things. A well planned out and marked bin or box may save you from buying stuff you just can’t find after Thanksgiving. Maybe that tape or ribbon lost in the bottom of a box, isn’t just stored again this year. Do they even sell that brand any more?