The holiday season brings an increase in energy use and household waste. Each year, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, household waste in the U.S. increases by more than 25 percent.
It can be easier than you think to help cut down on that impact and go green this holiday season:
- Go homemade — Decorations, table center pieces, and gifts can all be made from reused or recycled materials. Use evergreen trimmings to make wreaths and collect pinecones and other materials to use in a fun craft. Popcorn, citrus, and other dried fruits can create colorful garlands that birds love as well.
- Use a timer — Having your outdoor lights on a timer helps make sure you aren’t using more energy than you need, and that you don’t have lights on the entire night — which could be disorienting and negatively impact local wildlife.
- Ditch the disposables — While washing dishes may be the last thing anyone wants to do after a big holiday meal, disposable plates and cutlery are a huge source of waste during the holidays. Use newspaper or fabric scraps to wrap gifts; and be sure to save the wrapping paper, bags, and boxes you get to re-use next year.
- Pick the right tree — There are many options when picking a natural tree. Support a local tree farm which can help stabilize soil, protect water supplies, and provide refuge for wildlife. Buy a live root ball tree native to your area to enjoy indoors for the holidays and plant it in your yard in the spring.
Tips provided by Pa. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
