BANGOR (NEWS CENTER Maine) — Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s -- more than any other time of the year.
Here are some tips to make your holiday a bit less wasteful.
Tip #1: When thinking about decorations, natural is best!
Thanksgiving and Christmas, in particular, are a great time to decorate with gourds, wreaths and other items found in nature. Then, when you’re done with them, you can toss them in the backyard and let them compost naturally.
Tip #2: Avoid food waste by planning ahead.
Americans waste 40% of our food and that problems grow exponentially over the holidays.
Speak with the people you’re spending your holiday with to make sure you have a diverse array of options and nothing gets wasted. Furthermore, don’t forget to take advantage of the delicious holiday leftovers!
Tip #3: Experiences make a great “zero waste gift”
Tickets to a concert or big game, a museum membership, a series of fun workout classes are all great low-waste or zero-waste gifts (if you can transfer them electronically).
If you do give a material item, make it a zero waste productive gift like a reusable mug, shopping tote, or a plant in a ceramic or glass pot.
Tip #4: Wrap with recyclables!
Everyone has a newspaper lying around. A friend from out of town may be interested to see what the local stories are in your area, or you can wrap with the comics section for a two in one gift!
Ultimately, just be mindful and we can all have a happy holiday season with a little less waste!