Americans will throw away about 35 million Christmas trees this year. The symbol of joy and generosity becomes an “absolute urban disposal nightmare” according to some city foresters around nation.
Between Thanksgiving and New Years Day, household waste increases by more than 25% That’s one millions tons of waste Americans create in one month’s time!
So this year please think of recycling your trees, wrapping papers, shopping bags and food waste.
1. Christmas Trees – you can find recyling places for your christmas trees through earth911.com or call your local boy scout pack, they may be doing it for donations.
2. Unwated gifts? Check out your local freecycle.com
They list areas all over the country. Some local Atlanta links are below:
Atlanta (Georgia, United States)
Atlanta-Inside the Perimeter (Georgia, United States)
Roswell (Georgia, United States)
Johns Creek (Georgia, United States)
Norcross (Georgia, United States)
Decatur (Georgia, United States)
Forsyth (Georgia, United States)
Alpharetta (Georgia, United States)
3. Leftover Foods – and ambitious recyclers, check out the use of worms to digest organic waste.
Take basic composting classes available through DeKalb Extension to know what to do next year.
Whatever you do this year builds on the future. Next year, try picking green eco-friendly wrapping papers (not metallics), recycle your trees, use reusable shopping bags, consider reduced or no-waste wrapping options, use reusable containers when bringing food to a party or dinner, send holiday greetings via e-mail or Facebook and take simple easy steps to help reduce waste during the holidays.
Wed, Dec 30, 2009
Community