December 11, 2007

The Department of Environmental Quality is encouraging residents to reduce their waste this holiday season by following some simple suggestions that will also save money. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day, it is estimated that an extra 100 million tons of waste is generated nationwide each week.

As holiday gift giving can generate a great deal of waste, families should consider using materials such as fabric, reusable gift bags, or other reusable containers to wrap presents. If using traditional wrapping paper, choose a type that is made from recycled materials and that can be recycled in your community. After the gifts are opened, families can help to separate boxes, bows, ribbons, and packaging materials that can be reused or recycled.

After the holidays are over, alternatives are also available for recycling rather than throwing away a Christmas tree. Christmas trees can be chipped into mulch, composted, used to prevent soil erosion, or used to create wildlife habitat. Many Michigan communities offer Christmas tree recycling. Individuals should check with their community to see if pickup or drop-off programs are available.

For additional information, visit the DEQ Web site at http://www.michigan.gov, or to find a local recycling contact, go to http://www.michigan.gov/deqreswastecontacts.

Editor's note: DEQ news releases are available on the department's Internet home page at www.michigan.gov/deq.

"Protecting Michigan's Environment, Ensuring Michigan's Future"

Revised December 11, 2007 by Pat Watson