Daily Greenz #66

With 25% more waste being generated during the holidays, we suggest a couple of simple ways that you can help to reduce unnecessary trash during the gift-giving season. For one, since shopping bags and wrapping paper alone contribute four million tons of garbage during the month of December, be sure to bring your own shopping bag to the mall and buy online, package-less gifts like downloads from iTunes.

If you can’t do without gift-wrapping, consider using re-usable shopping bags, design magazines, or leftover wallpaper. Another alternative is Gaiam’s Seed Gift Wrap, made entirely from biodegradable paper and embedded with wildflower seeds. Rather than tossing it, the recipient can plant it and have beautiful blossoms by the spring. Find out more at gaiam.com . For tree-less options, Fish Lips Paper Designs offers wrapping paper that’s made with 100% post-consumer recycled paper and soy-based inks. Available for $4.00 a sheet at fishlipspaperdesigns.com .

Generic e-cards are a thing of the past. Opt to send free, customized e-cards this year with One True Media, which allows you to upload your own pictures, music, and videos for a truly personalized effect. Still feel an itch to send the real thing? Cradle to Cradle produces creative, tree-free
cards that can be recycled as carpet backing by being returned to Shaw
Industries. Available for $35 a set at reproduct.net.

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1. If you haven’t put much thought into where you get your turkey, consider buying yourself a holiday bird that’s organic and pasture-raised. We’re talking about the heritage turkey, which is bred naturally, allowing its meat to develop slowly over time. The result is a juicier, more succulent-tasting
turkey. Pick one up at Fairway Market or online at heritagefoods.com.   

2. Don’t toss the turkey fat! Instead, see if your city has a collection service that will pick it up. That’s what the city of Plano did last year before handing it over Biodiesel Industries, a Texas-based plan that recycles turkey fat into biofuels for cars. Who knew fat could be a good thing? Check out www.biodieselindustries.com/ for more information.

3. If you plan on driving to your family dinner, make sure to check your air filter and that your tires are fully inflated. By doing both, you’ll decrease your carbon emissions and get better gas mileage. On the other hand, if you plan on flying, consider purchasing carbon credits to make up for it. Visit www.carbonplanet.com/home/shop.php for more information.

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