Some Holiday Recycling Ideas

Now that the holidays are upon us, it is even more important to make sure we reduce, reuse, and recycle.

Reduce the use of paper, envelopes and stamps by sending holiday e-cards. Although I do enjoy receiving the annual holiday cards from family and friends via snail-mail (especially when photos of families are included), I hate to admit, but I do end up tossing them. Some sites are free to use, such as http://www.bluemountain.com/. Others offer a free trial period, http://www.americangreetings.com/. A fun site, like JibJab Sendables have a section of free e-cards in the hopes that you'll become a paying member to use their witty templates for you to add some personal photos.

For holiday parties, use reusable glass or plastic ware, and cloth napkins. If you buy gifts, purchase reusable items. Try going to consignment stores or thrift shops. Remember to have your car stocked with canvas bags to tote all those gifts when shopping. No need to buy wrapping paper: wrap the gifts in fabric, newspaper, or your kids' artwork (that you don't mind not keeping, of course!) If you plan to mail your holiday gifts, be sure to reuse recyclable and recycled-content boxes and all that bubble-wrap you've been saving.

Most importantly, be sure to recycle your holiday waste from your household correctly. Be sure to contact your local recycling center to find out how, what and where to recycle items you are unsure of. Earth911 is a great site to help you out!