ProjectGaian.org

While you embark on your holiday shopping - think about this: Americans throw away an additional 5 million tons of trash - 25% more than usual - between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. That extra helping of consumer goods, packaging, food waste, and Christmas trees takes a real toll on the environment.

Here are some tips to reduce what you consume, give and throw away throughout the holiday season:

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THE CHRISTMAS TREE
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Place lights on a house plant, potted tree or bush, or decorate a piece of driftwood. (Buy smaller-sized holiday lights to conserve energy. These are also safer than larger lights because they give off less heat.)

Use a POTTED Christmas tree - and then you can PLANT the tree in your yard & enjoy it for years to come.

Find a local organic grower of Christmas trees - - they won’t use as many pesticides as huge tree growers, and are 100% sustainable.

After Christmas, RECYCLE your tree — don’t just throw it away!
Los Angeles residents click here for info >

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HOLIDAY GIFTS
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Save paper by wrapping presents in newspaper or gift paper from previous years. Old wrapping paper can also be used to make gift tags.

Neatly fold and save used wrapping paper and gift bags for next year.

Tie packages with twine (a natural fiber).

Reuse the plastic polystyrene packaging “peanuts” that come in the gift boxes you receive. If you have too many “peanuts” and would like to drop them off somewhere, chain stores like Mail Boxes Etc. will accept them.

Use newspaper and tissue paper instead of buying plastic “peanuts” to protect your gifts when sending items by mail.

Give presents like movie, concert and sports tickets in place of physical gifts. The only thing that gets thrown away is the ticket, which can be recycled later.

Consider opening a savings account for a younger family member or adding money to an older member’s existing savings account.

Purchase rechargeable batteries when giving electronic gifts.

Homemade food is always a great gift to give. Be sure to present it in recyclable containers like glass or aluminum.

Make gift tags from recycled greeting cards.

Give a little of YOURSELF for the holidays! Instead of buying a gift you’re not sure your friend or family member will use, why not give them the gift of babysitting, a nice lunch, organize your friend’s closet, walk their dogs, etc…be creative!

Buy an environmentally friendly gift - click here to search sites with Google >

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HOLIDAY PARTIES
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Think about renting tableware for your parties, instead of buying throwaway plastic items. Most plastic utensils, plates and cups cannot be recycled unless they are plastic Type 1 or 2 (the number will be indicated on the bottom of the plastic item).

Plan meal portions ahead of time if you are throwing a party, so you don’t have to throw out any food. Also, plan in advance the meals you will make with your leftovers. Save extra room in your freezer for leftovers

Here are 8 things YOU can do to have a “GREEN” Thanksgiving:

1. BUY LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE FROM YOUR FARMER’S MARKET.
2. BUY YOUR TURKEY LOCALLY.
3. BUY ORGANIC, CRUELTY-FREE RAISED TURKEY.
4. CONSIDER VEGETARIAN (BIRD-FREE) OPTIONS TO TURKEY.
5. WHENEVER POSSIBLE, BUY ORGANIC PRODUCE.
6. AVOID PRODUCING EXCESSIVE GARBAGE.
7. COOK MINDFULLY.
8. THANK YOUR MOM.