MMADISON – The holiday season is a time of giving and sharing with
family and friends. While enjoying these traditions, you can also take
steps to reduce waste, save money and be creative while making the
holidays green.

An average Wisconsin resident generates 1,259 pounds of solid waste
each year. This amounts to nearly three-and-a-half pounds per day,
including both household waste and an individual’s share of commercial
waste. During the holidays, waste can increase with extra packaging,
gift wrap, disposable dishes, leftover food and more.

A variety of tips on reducing holiday waste, giving green gifts and
reducing energy consumption is available on the Department of Natural
Resources website.

“From using less packaging and buying environmentally friendly gifts,
to creative reuse of materials in decorations, the holiday season
offers many opportunities to reduce waste, help the environment and
save money,” says Cynthia Moore, DNR recycling manager.

The DNR’s holiday waste reduction tips can be found on the DNR’s EEK!
Environmental Education for Kids website. Some suggestions include:
Holiday Preparation Tips

    * Instead of incandescent lights, use energy-efficient LED lights
for holiday decorations. Have lights that no longer work? Many
companies accept used light strings for recycling and may even offer a
discount on new lights. Talk to your local retailer or search online
for details.
    * Use a timer to turn off holiday lights when no one is awake to
enjoy them.
    * Potted trees are a great waste-free alternative to cut trees and
can be planted in the yard in the spring.
    * At holiday parties, use washable plates, cups, silverware,
tablecloths and napkins instead of disposables. 

Gift-Giving Tips

    * Look for gifts with little or no packaging, or packaging that
can be easily reused or recycled. Remember to bring your own reusable
bags to bring your purchases home.
    * Shop for experiences, not things. Give your family and friends
tickets to a concert, museum passes or tickets to a baseball game.
Doing something together is fun and leaves no waste.
    * Give gifts that help your friends and family live greener.
Possibilities include bus tickets, state park passes, compost bins,
reusable grocery bags and rechargeable batteries and chargers.
    * Show your support for recycling by purchasing gifts made of
recycled material. 

After-holiday Tips

    * After the holiday season is over, put cut trees in the yard to
provide winter cover for rabbits and birds. In the spring, chip the
tree and use it for mulch.
    * Did you receive new electronics this holiday? Recycle your old
electronics to preserve resources and prevent toxins from entering the
environment. Find a recycler near you through E-Cycle Wisconsin.
    * Save and reuse ribbons, bows, gift bags and wrapping paper from
year to year. Recycle paper and boxes that are no longer useable.
    * Don’t throw away your holiday or greeting cards; use them to
make new cards next year or donate to organizations that could reuse
them. 

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Kathleen Kiefaber, (608) 267-2463