Holiday gift-giving ideas and activities that do a world of good

Selecting gifts for friends and loved ones can be a challenge. So, with the holidays quickly approaching, consider gift-giving options and other activities that “do a world of good” this season.

• Purchase ENERGY STAR-rated items that use less energy to operate. Ready for that infrared appliance or other electrification updates? Check out the homeowner rebates coming in the new year.
• After the holidays, recycle your Christmas tree.
• Use gift wrap, boxes and other materials that are recyclable.
• Recycle lithium-ion and other batteries at collection locations. Thanks to recent federal grants Staples and Batteries Plus offer a number of new collection locations for households.
• Recycle holiday lights. Check the Michigan Recycling Directory or your local municipality for collection locations.
• Donate used eyeglasses and hearing aids.
• Meal prep to avoid food waste and use for animal feed or compost anything that can’t be eaten.
• Shop with reusable bags instead of using plastic bags.
• Recycle electronic waste such as televisions, laptops, cell phones, and batteries at collection events, community collection sites and certain retailers. Certain electronics can be mailed back to the manufacturer for no cost.
• Donate used clothing or recycle it.
• Use EGLE’s Recycling Directory that lists where to take certain items. Contact locations ahead of time to verify they still take certain items.