It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans produce 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. From gifts and shipping boxes to wrapping paper and more, it all adds up. The good news is that you can make a positive impact for the environment and the Gulf of Mexico with a few simple changes. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram all December for tips or check out our top 5 green holiday tips below.
Happy holidays from the Gulf of Mexico Alliance!
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Using LED bulbs are a great way to light up the holidays while using less energy. LED lights use 75% less energy, last longer, and are safer because they don’t heat up as much as conventional bulbs (energy.gov).
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Americans create 25% more trash than usual between Thanksgiving and New Year’s (EPA) and a lot of the extra waste is from packaging and wrapping paper. To reduce waste, get creative with your wrapping by using a basket, cloth bag, or reusing kids’ art. If you need to buy new wrapping paper, choose a type without glitter, foil, or plastic so that it can be recycled.
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Have you considered a “gift of experience” for someone this holiday season? By giving a gift of something to do, you can reduce waste and use fewer resources (packaging, shipping, and the actual gift). Here are a few ideas to get started: 1) zoo or aquarium tickets; 2) a behind-the-scenes tour at their favorite sports stadium; 3) cooking, art, or yoga classes; 4) a National Parks annual pass; and 5) a restaurant gift card.
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From using natural products like vinegar, baking soda or lemon, to limiting our supplies that are made of plastic, we like to clean green. We also use phosphate-free soaps 🧼, detergents and cleaners. Extra phosphate from wastewater can cause algae blooms, which can hurt the environment and local economies.
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Did you know that your Christmas tree can help the environment? Most communities have Christmas tree recycling programs (for real trees only, not artificial trees) during the weeks following Christmas. These recycled Christmas trees can be mulched for gardening, used to rebuild sand dunes, or dropped in the water to create fish habitat. Just make sure to remove lights, ornaments, tinsel, and other decorations before recycling!