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

Related News

Holidays ... and their names - Globe and Mail Holidays ... and their names Globe and Mail, Canada -May 21, 2008 Montreal -- Canadians know what they are celebrating on Victoria Day (Why This Victoria Day Should Be Our Last - May 17), but what are we celebrating on ... Few websites to keep kids busy during holidays - Economic Times Few websites to keep kids busy during holidays Economic Times, India -May 21, 2008 Just like virtual worlds such as Second Life helped adults escape from their mundane lives, now with the summer holidays underway, it's time for kids to ... Holidays putting financial strain on Brits, warns CAP - ChristianToday Holidays putting financial strain on Brits, warns CAP ChristianToday, UK -12 hours ago According to Mr Barlow, estimates suggest that Brits will spend more than £750 per household on holidays in 2008. “Through our top tips and research, ... Britons forgo household luxuries for holidaysCar Rentals Poor money management hitting holidaying BritsTravelMole Brits 'need to control holiday spending'Just the Flight all 4 news articles Teletext takes legal action against Directline Holidays - TTG live Teletext takes legal action against Directline Holidays TTG live, UK -5 hours ago Teletext Holidays has launched a High Court bid to prevent Directline Holidays using its brand on Google’s paid-for listings. Lawyers acting for Teletext ... Teletext Holidays takes legal action to block rival's Google ...Brand Republic (subscription) Teletext takes legal action against Directline HolidaysNew Media Age Teletext in legal move against Directline over trademarks on GoogleTravolution Utalkmarketing all 7 news articles Responsible photography holidays - Easier (press release) Responsible photography holidays Easier (press release), UK -25 minutes ago Responsible Photography Holidays is a small, independent organisation that operates cultural, educational and volunteer holidays to Morocco and Rwanda. ... Summer holidays! - Sky News Sky News Summer holidays! Sky News, UK -11 hours ago We don't have too much in common with today's professional footballer except for the fact that, like them, we can't take any holidays during the season. ... Kosovo MPs embroiled in holidays row - Sofia Echo Kosovo MPs embroiled in holidays row Sofia Echo, Bulgaria -May 21, 2008 The proposal foresees that Kosovo would celebrates three types of holidays – national, commemorative and municipal. Kosovo has been formally recognised by ... Wholesale Travel Distributor Tourico Holidays, Inc., Connects ... - Hospitality Net (press release) Wholesale Travel Distributor Tourico Holidays, Inc., Connects ... Hospitality Net (press release) -19 hours ago Connecting with Hilton’s American inventory is also greatly advantageous for Tourico Holidays, which can now offer its clients the ability to book Hilton ... Driving holidays popular again boosting car insurance - 22/05/2008 - Only Finance Driving holidays popular again boosting car insurance - 22/05/2008 Only Finance, UK -10 hours ago American Express, which believes that the revival of driving holidays is partly inspired by a greener attitude to travel, reminded insurance shoppers that ... Britons 'starting To Favour Driving Holidays'Start Again Finance Driving Holidays On The Increase (20 May 2008)Go Travel Insurance Hit the road - Brits' renewed interest in drive holidaysSaveborrowspend.co.uk Response Source (press release) - Fair Investment Company all 9 news articles More than half of US workers to skip summer holidays: poll - AFP AFP More than half of US workers to skip summer holidays: poll AFP -May 21, 2008 WASHINGTON (AFP) — More than half of Americans will not be taking a summer holiday this year, opting instead to stay home and save money as the US economy ...