"Give Green" by Decking the Halls with Less Waste This Year!

An estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the United States, enough to fill a football field 10 stories high. It is estimated that between Thanksgiving and the New Year an extra million tons of waste are generated nationwide each week. In fact, 38,000 miles of ribbon alone is thrown out each year--enough to tie a bow around the Earth!

As part of its ongoing efforts to reach a Zero Waste California, the California Integrated Waste Management Board would like to help you cut the amount of trash you put out at the curb during the upcoming holiday season and is your one-stop site for all the simple steps you will need towards keeping holiday waste out of landfills. These pages are loaded with useful tips on reducing holiday waste. For more information, please e-mail the Board's Office of Public Affairs, or call us at (916) 341-6300.

Video: CIWMB information officers Jamie Cameron-Harley and Beatriz Sandoval being interviewed by Walt Gray of KCRA-Channel 3 with waste-reduction tips for the holiday season.

Holiday Waste Reduction Tips

RecycleStore--Showcases innovative recycled-content products and puts you in touch directly with their manufacturers.	It's Time to Open the Gifts--While opening the gifts, here are a few hints to get you through the mountains of ribbon, stuffing, and wrapping.
Rechargeable Batteries--Your presents include personal electronics and talking furry friends? Be sure to stock up on rechargeables, a great gift idea that keeps giving even after the holidays.	Christmas Tree Recycling--Once the big day has passed and the ornaments are safely packed away for next year, there's just one thing left to do.
No Waste Gift-Giving/Gift-Wrapping Ideas--A few ideas and suggestions on alternative gift wrapping and gift-giving.	eRecycle--I was so good this year that I got a new plasma TV, PDA (personal digital assistant), and flat screen monitor. What should I as a consumer do with my used electronics?
Waste Prevention in Gift Wrapping--Breaking the "gift wrap" habit isn't easy, so here are 10 simple ideas to get you started.	Shop, shop, shop--What can you do so you're not left holding the plastic bag? It's simple! Here are five helpful ways to get those plastic shopping bags out of the environment.