Green Holiday

Are your trash and recycle bins overflowing following Christmas or Hanukkah? Do you receive gifts you don’t like or need? When holidays impact our environment, it’s time to make a shift to a more sustainable, green holiday. 

In preparation for the holiday season, consider cleaning out your closets and cupboards, and donate usable clothing, household items and toys to thrift stores, shelters, and charities. When making your shopping list, remember the best gift is the gift of time with those you love. Less is more. Emerald Keepers has some ideas to make your holiday greener.

 GIFT IDEAS

·      Experiential gifts such as tickets to museums, sports games, plays, concerts, or events.

·      Subscriptions such as Netflix or Spotify.

·      Treasures from your home to give away.

·      Homemade baked goods.

·      Gifts or gift cards from local shops. 

·      Edibles such as oils, vinegars, honey, or jams.  

·      Donation in someone’s name to an environmental organization, a local non-profit, or charity.

·      Donations to a food bank. 

·      Sustainable gifts: Reusable water bottles , Bamboo utensils (emeraldkeepers.org/store), Mesh produce bags, Bamboo/BPA free toothbrushes 

GIFT WRAPPING 

·      Fabric, dish towels, bandanas, or scarves. 

·      Gift bags reused year after year. 

·      Reused wrapping paper (fold/roll and store for use next year).

·      Brown paper gift bags or wrapping paper that can be recycled. 

·      Recycled materials such as newspapers and maps. 

·      Reused ribbons and bows used again and again. 

HOLIDAY CARDS

·      Send E-cards.

·      String together cards and hang as a decoration.

·      Reuse and cut-up cards to make gift tags.

ENTERTAINING 

·      Use table linens, dishes, glassware, and silverware instead of disposable plastic and paper. Say no to throw-away items!

·      Use organic and local foods for your meal. Support local farmers.

·      Take care to avoid food waste.  

DECORATIONS

·      Decorate with LED lights to save money and energy!

·      Use fresh greens and reusable ribbons.

·      Recycle your live tree of any size at the City drop-off sites at Glorietta Bay Boat Launch parking lot and the Cays Park parking lot. The drop-off program is available from December 26th to January 15th. Four-foot sections of your tree may also be placed in your green bin to be recycled.

·      If you have an artificial tree, use it year after year.