WM Helps Create More Sustainable Community

Make holiday gifts greener

While the holidays beckon festivities and cheer, they also bring an abundance of waste.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the extra waste produced during the

holidays amounts to about one million additional tons per week.

From Waste Management’s recycling experts, here are some tips to make your gifts more

sustainable this holiday:

Gift giving. Consider giving no-waste gifts this year, such as museum or concert tickets, or potted

plants or trees that the recipient can grow in their garden. If you do buy a product, go for

one made with recycled content as this will encourage manufacturers to produce others.

Gift wrapping. Not all wrapping paper is recyclable, so try earth-friendly wrapping alternatives,

such as scarves, handkerchiefs, old maps, newspapers, children’s artwork and repurposed gift

bags. Replace ribbons and bows with natural evergreens, berries and dried flowers.

Learn and give the basics of proper recycling by visiting recycleoftenrecycleright.com, where

residents can find out what items can go in their recycling containers, and which ones to avoid. In

addition, WM invites citizens to share their holiday tips and ask questions via Twitter and Instagram,

using hashtag #RORR.