During the holiday festivities, Clark County Solid Waste and Environmental Outreach encourages people to take steps to reduce their holiday waste.

Household waste in the U.S. increases by more than 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Trash cans fill up with holiday food waste, shopping bags, bows and ribbons, packaging, and wrapping paper that contribute an additional 1 million tons a week to our landfill. But by taking a few simple steps to reduce, reuse and recycle, the holiday season can be a little greener.

The holidays may look different this year, with in-person parties and gatherings shifting to virtual events. But as you find new ways to celebrate – or modify family traditions – keep these tips in mind:

• If you’re preparing holiday meals for others, make a list to avoid over-buying food. Consider using the “Guest-imator” to help you estimate how much food you need. Freeze leftovers and compost your food scraps.
• Purchase gently used items, restaurant gift cards for takeout or upcycled goods from Recycled Arts Festival vendors. Or consider making a charitable donation in the recipient’s name to their favorite nonprofit or community organization.
• Think durable when selecting gifts. The longer an item lasts, the less often it will need to be replaced.
• Make ornaments and decor from natural, edible items and set them out for the winter wildlife. A string of popcorn and cranberries makes a perfect gift for the birds.

• Save gift bags, tissue paper, bows and ribbons to reuse next year. Recycle wrapping paper (not foil-covered paper) that cannot be reused.
• Take inventory of things you no longer use and donate old toys and clothing to thrift stores.
• Consider recycling old electronic gadgets, string lights that no longer work and block foam. Drop-off locations can be found at RecyclingDoneRight.com. Donate unwanted electronics and string lights that still work.
• Use rechargeable batteries to power new toys.

For more holiday waste-reduction tips, visit the Clark County Green Neighbors website.

CONTACT

Marissa Armstrong
senior communications specialist
Public Health
marissa.armstrong@clark.wa.gov