Simple Steps Toward Reducing Waste This Holiday Season
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This image provided by Ten Thousand Villages shows gift wrap made from saris that are recycled by artisans in Bangladesh. The company says sales have been growing steadily since the wraps were introduced in 2013. (Ten Thousand Villages via AP)
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This image provided by Better Homes & Gardens Walmart Collection shows lidded canisters from the collection. Put a small gift inside and let the canister be part of the gift. (Better Homes & Gardens Walmart Collection via AP)
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This image provided by Better Homes & Gardens shows a bell ornament made out of an upcycled yogurt container. (Carson Downing/Better Homes & Gardens via AP)
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FILE - Casey Grogan, owner of Silver Bells Tree Farm and president of the Pacific Northwest Christmas Tree Association, trims a noble fir at his 400-acre Christmas tree farm in Silverton, Ore. in Nov. 2018. Experts say real Christmas trees are a more sustainable choice than artificial trees. (AP Photo/Gillian Flaccus, File)
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This image provided by Better Homes & Gardens Walmart Collection shows lidded serving bowls. Give a food gift, like a batch of cookies or candy, tucked inside the bowl and let the bowl be part of the gift. (Better Homes & Gardens Walmart Collection via AP)
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This image provided by Better Homes & Gardens shows diorama ornaments made out of upcycled Mason jar lids. (Carson Downing/Better Homes & Gardens via AP)
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This image provided by Better Homes & Gardens shows garland made out of upcycled egg cartons. (Carson Downing/Better Homes & Gardens via AP)
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This image provided by Better Homes & Gardens shows fabric-wrapped gifts. (Jacob Fox/Better Homes & Gardens via AP)
With concern about climate change growing, this holiday season is a chance to try celebrating in more planet-friendly ways.
Simple changes to the way we gift wrap, send cards, decorate and entertain can cut out a lot of waste. And often save money in the process.
For instance, when gift wrapping go with recyclable paper or reusable bags, scarves or pretty cloths.
For cards, avoid anything with glitter and foil, which aren’t recyclable. When decorating, too, think about using natural or reusable materials.
Experts say real Christmas trees are a more sustainable choice than artificial trees.
And when you’re entertaining, ditch the plastic plates for real or compostable ones.
