Holiday waste reduction has never been easier, and King County’s Green Holidays program is here to help. The program offers fun, festive new resources for the 2013 holiday season.
“When it comes to making the holidays greener, I believe that our region leads the nation in public awareness and actions,” said Tom Watson, King County’s EcoConsumer. “This new crop of ideas will help enhance our holiday celebrations.”
Here are a few examples, from King County residents who are also experts on making the holidays greener, featured on the newly-revamped Green Holidays website, KCgreenholidays.com.
Green giving. Use your skills – if you’re an accomplished photographer, for example, take pictures of families as a gift. Or give a digital copy of your favorite recipes, especially if the gift recipient has ever asked for your recipes. These tips are from local “waste-free” blogger April Luebbert. For more tips, see her interview on the Green Holidays website.
Green decorating. If you love them, why not keep using the same decorations you’ve used for 20 years? They have history! Spruce up your decorations by using branches from the yard. These tips are from Marilyn Lauderdale, local recycling business owner and avid green holiday decorator.
Green wrapping. Get creative using salvaged materials for wrapping, from a used plastic bottle to your kid’s old artwork. Pull an old scarf out of the closet and turn it into fabric gift wrap. These tips are from green gift-wrapping blogger Charissa Pomrehn.
Green eating. To reduce food waste, plan your holiday meals around what you know your family and friends like to eat. A leftovers party the day after can also help cut down on food waste. Always try to use locally-grown, in-season ingredients, which these days means you have lots of choices. These tips are from PCC Natural Markets cooking instructor and green foodie Jackie Freeman.
For more fun, practical ideas, visit KCgreenholidays.com. King County EcoConsumer
Tom Watson (206-477-4481, tom.watson@kingcounty.gov) is also available for interviews about conserving resources at the holidays and how to recycle post-holiday waste.
