Mindful Gift Giving:
- Opt for used items or experiences as gifts.
- Wrap presents using recyclable paper or reusable fabric.
- Save bows, ribbons, and gift bags for future use.
Thoughtful Gift Choices:
- Give experiences like tickets to events or gift certificates to favorite restaurants.
- Purchase and refinish secondhand items, including furniture or clothing.
- Donate to a local food shelf or Toys for Tots in place of physical gifts.
Creative Wrapping Alternatives:
- Traditional wrapping paper isn’t recyclable, so consider alternatives like newspaper, comics, fabric, or reusable materials.
- Embrace creativity – include a kitchen dish towel as part of the gift and use it for wrapping.
- Reuse boxes, paper, and holiday tins from past holidays, and pack them away for the next occasion.
Waste-Free Menu Planning:
- Utilize tools like the Guestimator to plan meals (it’s amazing).
- Cook only what you can consume and share extra food with guests.
- Transform turkey, chicken, and ham leftovers into delicious soups.
- Compost food scraps in backyard bins or explore local composting programs.
Ditch Disposable Items:
- Say no to disposable plates, utensils, and plastic decorations.
- When disposal is necessary, ensure it’s done correctly by referring to our Holiday Disposal Tips Chart or utilizing our What Can I Recycle? tool.
- Check with your municipality for disposal of batteries, Christmas trees, or hazardous waste
Conscious Plastic Usage:
- Minimize single-use plastic bottles; opt for alternatives like reusable containers.
- If disposable serving ware is a must, choose BPI-certified, compostable options.
- Say goodbye to single-use straws; invest in reusable, washable alternatives.
Dispose Wisely:
While the aim is zero waste, sometimes disposal is necessary. Refer to Eureka’s Holiday Disposal Tips Chart and our What Can I Recycle tool. And please, exercise caution with lithium batteries, extension cords, and holiday lights – follow proper disposal guidelines.
From all of us at Eureka, we wish you a joyous and zero-waste holiday season! May your celebrations be environmentally conscious and set the stage for a sustainable new year
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