Four Fantastic Ways to Reduce Trash During the Holiday

During the holiday it can be tough to keep up. It feels like there is a lot to do in very little time. This leads to us doing things the quick easy way so that we can stay on schedule.

The easy way however can lead to us spending more money creating a lot more waste. A little bit of planning can make a greener Christmas and lead to a more special one.

Way to Make Less Trash at a Holiday Party

Holiday party costs can add up. The last thing you want to do is have all the money you spend end up in the trash. With some planning that can be prevented.

The first way to save is don't load up on a bunch of paper products. All those plates and cups along with the plastic silverware just end up in the trash. This year plan a menu with more finger-friendly options therefore cutting down on the silverware.

As for cups and plates, depending on the number of guests you can most likely give them all a real cup or plate. If you don't want them to clutter the cabinets all year make it something they take with them, a souvenir of your party. You'd be surprised what you can find at a thrift store this time of year.

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Secondly, whatever you do don't throw out food. The best way to handle that is to keep containers that people can take with them or better yet have them bring their own so they are sure to get your yummy leftovers. And if you are bringing something to a party put it on a plate or tray the host can keep.

Green Gift Ideas in the Hudson Valley

A third way to reduce waste during the holidays is to keep gifts "greener" can also help cut down on waste and it is a great way to make someone feel special. Green gift ideas can include boat rides on the Hudson Valley, Tickets to a concert at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, or even membership to a cool nature center such as Mohonk Preserve.

These gifts don't have to be wrapped and they can be shared. A concert at Bethel Woods is a great way to spend time with a friend. A membership to Mohnk Preserve not only helps our area conservation but it gives the person outdoor fun year-round.

What are Some Ideas for Sustainable Holiday Decorations

Lastly, the best suggestion I have for making less waste with holiday decorations is to make sure you reuse them year to year. One-and-done decorations can fill a trash can fast. Also if you are having a real tree find a place that can mulch it or keep the toxins off of it and turn it over to a local goat farm as a treat.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation also has some wonderful ideas that you can find on its Living the Green Life page.

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