press releases

HOLIDAY RECYCLING TIPS
12/20/07

o Remove your name from unwanted catalogue lists.   Ask that your name be removed from mailing lists, or write to the Mail Preference Service at P.O. Box 282, Carmel, NY 10512 to have your name removed from third- class mailing lists. You must send a $1.00 check or Money Order to have your name removed.   The average American home receives more than 200 mail order catalogues each year mostly at holiday time. Call the company's toll free number and ask that you be removed from their mailing list.   If you do receive magazines and catalogs please recycled them.

o Save your holiday decorations for reuse next year.   Donate decorations to local schools, churches, town offices or non-profit organizations.   Use natural ornaments such as pine cones, shells, dried flowers or berries to decorate with.

o If you send holiday cards, look for ones made of recycled paper. Save the cards that you get in the mail, cut off the front pictures, and reuse as "postcards" next year. This saves on postage too. Or, send ''electronic cards'' or make a phone call instead!

o Use last years holiday cards as gift tags.

o If you buy gifts, look for durable and re-usable items and resist the latest "fad" at the mall. Think of how many pet rocks, mood rings, and cabbage patch dolls ended up in the landfill!

o Look for gifts with an environmental message: a nature book, a refillable thermos bottle, a canvas tote bag, a battery re-charger or items made from recycled materials. Choose solar powered instead of battery powered products. Or better yet, ones that require no power at all.

o If you go out shopping, bring your own tote bags and avoid coming home with an armload of plastic bags holding just one item.  

o Use a digital camera instead of those that require film.   That way you can delete the picture you dont want and print only those you like.

o Avoid leaving Christmas lights on all night.   Place them on an electric timer to switch off while you are sleeping.

o Recycle your poinsettia plant for next year by pruning it back severely and placing it in a shady place.   Allow it to dry out and start watering it again in May.   The poinsettia will be in full blossom for the next holiday season.

o Other environmentally-smart gifts include homemade ones: home baked cookies, bread or jams, a plant or tree. Purchase gifts that don't create any waste at all: concert or movie tickets, dinner at a restaurant, or an IOU to help rake leaves or repair a leaky faucet, or ones that get "used up": candles, soap, or seeds for next year's garden.

o Wrapping paper is often used once and thrown away. Try using colorful pages torn from magazines to wrap small gifts, and old maps or the Sunday comics for larger boxes. Avoid using paper entirely by using reusable decorative tins, baskets or boxes. If you do buy wrapping paper, look for recycled paper. Reusable cloth ribbons can be used in place of plastic bows. Finally, unwrap gifts carefully and save wrappings for reuse next year.

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