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During the holiday season, between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, Americans will generate 25% more trash than any other time of the year (U.S. EPA, 2016). Reducing waste conserves precious natural resources and keeps material out of landfills. Since landfill waste breaks down anaerobically, creating potent greenhouse gases, decreasing the amount of waste we generate will help combat climate change. Reducing, reusing, recycling, and properly disposing of waste protects wildlife and ecosystems, and will help ensure the environment is clean and safe for generations to come. Use the tips below to have a more sustainable holiday season and remember, spread joy, not trash!
Holiday Gift Guide
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Reusables Galore: Give a gift that never stops givng by gifting a reusable water bottle, bulk fruit and vegetable mesh bags, travel mug, shopping bags, lunch bag, beeswax wraps, etc.
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Experiences over objects: Give your time and talents to loved ones this year; take someone skiing or snowshoeing, enjoy a cooking, art or fitness class with a friend or family member, visit a museum, or see a musical or theater production together.
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Make your own gifts: Edible gifts such as breads, cookies, fruit & nut mixes, preserved foods, jams and jellies and herbed vinegars or olive oils are a few suggestions. Or, knit a scarf, crochet a hat or mittens, paint a watercolor, design your own jewelry or make your own homemade beauty products (lotions, lip balms, soap, etc.). Many gifts can also be made from upcycled materials such as homemade cards from old wrapping paper or gift bags.
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Donate to a non-profit organization in the name of a loved one.
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Instill a love of nature in the next generation: Introduce kids to a lifelong love of nature and appreciation for the environment by giving gifts like binoculars, a window bird feeder, gardening tools, or nature field guides. Purchase an Empire Pass or Camping Gift Card to experience NYS parks and campgrounds with family and friends.
Think Locally
- Shop at unique, local businesses, farmer's markets, nurseries or garden stores. You'll save money by using less gas and create fewer emissions. Visit Taste NY to find local products near you.
- Consider the way you travel when running errands and visiting family. Look for ways to combine trips, take public transportation, carpool or walk when holiday shopping or going to parties.
- Give or reload gift cards that support local restaurants and shops.
Overwhelmed With Wrapping Paper?!
Did you know that not all wrapping paper is recyclable?
Note: Tissue paper may be recyclable in your area - you should check with your local waste hauler or municipality.
Use baskets or decorated gift bags, and boxes that can be reused, or soft materials like scarves, blankets or towels secured with twine to wrap gifts.
Avoid Holiday Food Waste
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 Plan ahead: Have an accurate head count to plan portions accordingly. Use Save the Food's new Guest-imator calculator, a tool to help you estimate how much food you will need based on the head count and amount of desired leftovers.
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Cook with imperfections: Purchase imperfect produce to use in cooked dishes, such as bruised apples for apple pie.
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Share: Encourage your guests to bring a container they can bring leftovers home in.
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Creative Leftovers: Enjoy holiday leftovers days after by creating new dishes.
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Freeze: Be realistic about the leftovers that you can eat and freeze extra that won't last in the fridge.
Want to learn more? Visit our Sustainable Holidays page for more tips and tricks to greening your holiday season.
UPCOMING EVENTS
We Want To Hear From You!
Is there a topic you'd like to learn more about? Or a public event or workshop related to recycling (organics, textiles, electronics, traditional recyclables, etc.) you'd like the greater community to know about? Email us at organicrecycling@dec.ny.gov.
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