The holidays are a season of excess, but by making some key changes, you don’t have to give up any joy to have a great time and feel good about your habits.
The holidays are a season of excess, but by making some key changes, you don’t have to give up any joy to have a great time and feel good about your habits.
Experiences rather than things are a great option – especially for those who already seem to have it all.
If you opt for consumable items, consider homemade vs. store-bought. Also, look for durable, energy-efficient, goods, gifts that give back, and items that can be recycled or composted at their end of life. Choose email receipts, items with minimal packaging, and opt out of free gifts with purchase.
Did you know that according to the EPA, Americans dispose 25% more trash than usual between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day? This holiday season, consider bags and boxes that can be reused each year. Kids love gifts wrapped in unused maps and comics, or colorful scarves. For larger items, use printed pillowcases, brown paper shopping bags, or dye old sheets and cut to size. Skip the tags and write directly on the wrapping or gift.
Pro tip: Save the ribbons you receive this year to use next year, or try using fresh foliage instead of store-bought bows.
Here is how to dispose of your holiday gift wrapping:
Material |
Recology |
Sonoma County Resource Recovery |
Sonoma Garbage Collectors |
Wrapping Paper (non-foil) |
Recycle |
Recycle |
Recycle |
Foil Wrapping Paper |
Reuse or Garbage |
Reuse or Garbage |
Reuse or Garbage |
Tissue Paper |
Compost (if it contains glitter, then Garbage) |
Compost (if it contains glitter, then Garbage) |
Recycle |
Ribbons |
Reuse or Garbage |
Reuse or Garbage |
Reuse or Garbage |
Foil Gift Bags |
Reuse or Garbage |
Reuse or Garbage |
Reuse or Garbage |
Paper Gift Bags |
Recycle |
Recycle |
Recycle |
Tape |
No need to remove |
No need to remove |
Remove before disposal |
Hosting a Party:
Attending a party:
Cards
Holiday Cards have short life span, and often end up in the garbage bin. Go paperless, and your friends and family can keep that memory long after the holidays are over. There are many online vendors that provide elegant, customizable paperless options for the holidays and any occasion.
Choose against glittery cards or those that light up or sing. Glitter cannot be recycled, and the batteries that power the light up and singing cards must be removed and recycled at an appropriate battery collection site.
Trees
Consider using a living, potted plant or tree instead of one from a tree farm. If you are able to cut your unflocked, real tree to fit inside your curbside green bin, the local haulers will accept it for compost. Otherwise, please call the Christmas Tree hotline at 707-565-3333 for home pickup by local non-profits ($7-10 donation suggested).
Artificial trees are also a good alternative, as they can be reused each year – especially if you don’t have easy access to a curbside yard waste bin so that a real tree can be composted. Or if you’re looking to save some space, you can make a tree using sticks and twine like this one or even wine corks.
Decorations
When it comes to decorating zero waste style, it’s all about using things you already have, can acquire second hand, or easily find in nature. Some ideas for a natural look include pinecones and tree branches, garland made from red fallen leaves, cinnamon sticks, and foliage which can be reused each year or composted. Try not to get sucked into buying new trinkets you truly don’t need – it will save you the agony of packing up additional décor at the end of the holiday season.
When it comes to ornaments, choose ones that you will enjoy displaying year after year. Switch to LED string lights for your home and tree if possible. Old holiday lights cannot be recycled in the blue curbside recycling carts, but may be recycled through our e-waste recycling programs at each county transfer station and e-waste events.