Holidays Information

Reduce Waste This Christmas


- Christmas is responsible for more waste and consumption than any other holiday. North American's trash increases by 25% over Christmas - which equates to 25 million extra tons of garbage going to the landfill. By recognizing the incredible waste that is generated the urgency to do something becomes apparent. A truly useful or environment friendly gift is a better ecological choice. Here is a brief list of ideas to inspire you.

- For the homeowner - thermostat control that automatically turns the heat down at night. A low flow shower head attachment. A draft cozy (placed in front of doors to prevent drafts) and tubes of caulking or weather stripping. Dimmer switches or compact fluorescent bulbs. Hot water tank and hot water pipe insulation kits.

- For the gardener - subscription to an organic gardening magazine or a membership to a seed organization. Bird, bat and butterfly houses, baths and feeders - or the patterns to build them. A composting worm bin or a membership with an environmental group.

- Tickets to a performance, restaurant gift certificates or services such as lawn care, diaper, cleaning, music lessons, exercise or dance classes, tune-up or tire rotation services - all support local business.

- Dehydrated, canned or preserved foods make excellent gifts. Frozen dishes are treasured by those that find cooking tasks cumbersome.

- Brazil or cashew nuts as they promote a living tropical rainforest.

- Books (i.e. Trash Talk).

- A reusable coffee filter and whole organic coffee beans.

- If you choose to purchase electronics, consider those powered by solar or rechargeable batteries.

- For holiday photo memories using a digital camera and getting pictures put on CD's reduces chemicals, paper and cost. Choosing 36 exposure film rolls reduces packaging and waste.

- Consider a live tree. At the end of the season, donate it to individuals, the city, schools or parks. Plant it in your own yard for privacy, shade or erosion control.

-- Written by Dave and Lillian Brummet based on the concept of their new book Trash Talk, a guide that offers useful solutions to reduce waste and better manage resources. http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit


MORE RESOURCES:

FASTSIGNS(R) News: Greet the Holidays With Signs and Graphics
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
Despite the weakened economy, throughout stores, businesses, schools and churches, signs and graphics are everywhere, generating excitement for the holiday ...


Expanded train service offered for holidays in NJ
Newsday, NY - 6 hours ago
NEWARK, NJ - New Jersey rail travelers will have more options than usual over the Thanksgiving holiday. NJ Transit is offering expanded early getaway ...


Straits Times

Kohl's to Offer Wider Price Cuts For Holidays
Wall Street Journal - Nov 19, 2008
Associated Press Last year on Black Friday, the kickoff of the holiday shopping season, the retailer didn't cut prices on its most expensive, ...
Kohl's to offer wider price cuts for holidays- WSJ Reuters
colorado voices Be apart of Christmas Denver Post
Brown: Maybe this year we should skip Thanksgiving Daily News Tribune
WCTV - Daytona Beach News-Journal
all 504 news articles


Royal Oak parade kicks off holidays
DetNews.com, MI - 1 hour ago
ROYAL OAK -- Unicycles, rock bands and Santa Claus were highlights of the seventh annual Holiday Parade on a chilly but sunny Saturday morning. "It is cold. ...


Montauk lighthouse brighter for the holidays
Newsday, NY - 16 hours ago
Almost 3000 small white bulbs will be mounted on the 110-foot tower and adjacent keepers' quarters, outlining the structures for the holidays. ...


Holidays Won’t Bring Much Cheer for Retailers
Wall Street Journal Blogs, NY - Nov 21, 2008
The low point coming squarely within the holiday season will mean a particularly brutal period for retailers, a new Conference Board survey shows. ...


Investment Firm President Encourages Charitable Giving During the ...
MarketWatch - Nov 21, 2008
Heifer International -- Since 1995, FBB has given its clients an "Ark" from Heifer International each holiday season. This Gift Ark donates 15 pairs of ...


Expect Wii Shortage for Holidays, Gamestop Says
PC World - 2 hours ago
Wii shortages during the holiday season are nothing new, having occurred for the past two years, but nevertheless the trend is expected to continue again ...


How to help during the holidays
Detroit Free Press, United States - 5 hours ago
Give the gift of food or time to those who are in need. Please see the list below for Detroit area organizations that are in need of support. ...


Los Gatos groups stress need for holiday volunteers
San Jose Mercury News,  USA - 23 hours ago
The traditions of the Thanksgiving holiday go back centuries. However, its roots are not only in the big, juicy turkeys we serve each year; the holiday's ...

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