An environmental Christmas
WISHING YOU A BLUE and GREEN CHRISTMAS!! BLUE, as in Blue Box and Recycling and GREEN as in Green Bin!!!
Even though we tend to be busier at this time of year, it doesn't mean we should forget about our good recycling and environmental habits.
Here's a few things you should remember this holiday season:
1. SHOPPING: If you don't use cloth bags when doing your grocery or holiday shopping, remember to use the plastic bags minimally. If you expect to do shopping at more than one store, see if you can get a larger plastic bag for your first purchase. At the subsequent stores you visit, place your purchases in the first bag you got! That way, you go home with only one bag instead of several. Remember that here in Sudbury, plastic bags can go in the Blue Box.
2. HOLIDAY BAKING: When purchasing the ingredients for your holiday baking, remember to choose products that are packaged in recyclable or reusable containers. Better still, shop at the Bulk Barn or other bulk stores. Don't buy more than you need to avoid waste. Try to choose ingredients that are natural and free from additives and chemicals. Give away those special holiday treats on/in recyclable containers so your guests or hosts can recycle or reuse them. Aluminum foil, paper and some plastic plates are recyclable in our Blue Box program. Paper plates can go in the Green Bin. Plastic wrap and waxed paper is NOT a wise choice for wrapping. Use aluminum foil, butcher paper or parchment.
3. THE TREE: There is debate about which is better: real or artificial. Do the research and choose what you feel is best.
If you like to decorate with a 'real' Christmas tree, try to buy from a reputable tree farm or dealer. Make sure that they follow proper guidelines for replanting. Some people suggest organic farmed trees. You may also opt for a 'living tree' that you can keep in your house year round. When the season is over, have your tree mulched or use it for fuel in your wood fireplace.
Artificial trees last 7-10 years and then have to go to the landfill. They can not be recycled. They are made primarily of PVC plastic. Plastic is FOREVER - not a good thing.
4. WRAPPING GIFTS: Shiny, sparkly or foil paper might be pretty, but it's not environmentally friendly. Any wrap that has sparkles, foil, waxy finish or adornments can not be recycled -- any other wrapping papers can be - even the glossy ones. Boxboard, cardboard and corrugated paper can be flattened and recycled. Try using natural fibre yarns or strings [cotton, jute, hemp, etc.] instead of plastic bows. If you do use fancy ribbons and bows, save them for use next year! Use this year's Christmas cards for next year's gift tags. Reuse tags too!
Take boxboard boxes from cereal, cake mixes, etc and carefully undo the sealed seams. Turn the box inside out and reseal with hot glue. Now your box can be decorated with paint or markers or stamps and stencils!
Use newspaper to wrap gifts and decorate with paint or markers and jute cord. Newspaper/newsprint can go in the Blue Box. Tissue Paper can go in the Green Cart.
Use up all the wrapping paper you have in your house by turning it inside out to the white side. Decorate with paint or markers. Then next year, try going ALL GREEN!!
5. PARTIES: When entertaining, try not to use dishes or cutlery that has to be thrown away. Now that we can recycle #4 and #6 plastics, foam plates and cups and plastic cutlery CAN and should be put in the Blue Box. Paper plates can go in the Green Cart. Check for the proper recycle number on the bottom of the dishes to be sure it's a #1, 2, 4 or 6. Of course, the old fashioned dish washing of REAL dishes is best!
6. BATTERIES: Many toys, electronics and games need battery power. Now is a good time to invest in a good battery charger and a supply of rechargeable batteries. [I highly recommend ecocell brand.] It will save you money in the long run and avoid batteries ending up in our landfill. If you must use regular batteries, do not throw them in the trash. Put them with your Household Hazardous Waste items. Many cellphone, computer and portable phone batteries can be recycled at outlets where purchased, (like Canadian Tire, Radio Shack, etc)
7. CHRISTMAS LIGHTS: The new energy effiecient LED lights are the best to use. Keep your sets to a minimum and use a timer. Four to five hours per night is plenty. Avoid inflatables. Replace your incandescent light bubs with energy efficient Compact Fluorescents! CF Bulbs SHOULD NOT go in the garbage. Bring to a HHW depot.
8. FOOD: Turkey soup [save the bones!], turkey croquettes, turkey pie..... all kinds of ideas for leftover turkey! And don't throw out the leftovers - all food scraps, including bones can go in the Green Cart.
Purchase special food waste paper bags. These bags can sit on your counter top or under your kitchen sink. Ideal for outdoor barbeques or picnics. Once filled, tightly close the paper bag with a cotton string (no twist ties, metal/plastic ties, paper clips or clothes pins). Call Bag to Earth for order details (toll free at 1-800-366-6812). 
