Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
During the holidays, we use a lot of disposables - buying and wrapping gifts, sending greeting cards and decorating Christmas trees. By reducing, reusing and recycling, we can make this a "green" Christmas.
The following tips are from Marsha Eikenberry, manager of the Kosciusko County Solid Waste Management District, and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management:
• Buying a tree - Buy a living tree that can be replanted in your yard after the holidays. While a living tree requires a commitment of time and effort, it can have positive effects on air quality, global warming and wildlife habitat. Be sure to dig your hole early before the ground is too hard.
• If you decide on a cut tree, the city of Warsaw picks up Christmas trees to take to their compost site after the holidays, Eikenberry said. For county residents without tree composting available, Superior Excavating will accept Christmas trees on Jan. 3 from 8 a.m. to noon for a cost of $1 per tree. If you can't get your tree to Superior by Jan. 3, Eikenberry said, call Superior at 267-5255.
• Shopping for gifts - Take reusable string or canvas shopping bags with you when you shop. Buy gifts that are unpackaged or minimally packaged. Consider gift certificates, movie passes, lessons, memberships, tickets to theater or sporting events, a donation to a charitable organization in the gift recipient's name, or a donation of time for someone.
Don't forget to buy a battery charger, Eikenberry said, for all those toys and gadgets. If you don't have a battery charger, you can drop off used batteries at the SWMD's sites at Ace Hardware stores, Hall Hardware, Cox Studios and Radio Shack.
• Wrapping your gifts - Find alternatives to store-bought wrapping paper, such as Sunday comics, colorful magazine ads, old maps, posters, pictures from old calendars, sheet music, bandanas or fabric scraps. Use alternatives to traditional ribbons and bows such as scarves, ties or belts. If you buy new wrapping paper, choose paper made from post-consumer, chlorine-free, recycled fibers.
Eikenberry also suggested packaging gifts in decorative tin boxes or shopping bags, and using leftover gift wrap to pack away Christmas tree ornaments.
• Sending holiday cards - Save postage and paper by using postcard-size greeting cards. Buy cards made with post-consumer recycled fiber. Eikenberry said holiday cards can be recycled by sending them to St. Jude's Ranch, 100 St. Jude St., Boulder City, NV 89006-0100. The kids earn money by using the cards for various projects.
Eikenberry will gladly provide further suggestions for making this a green holiday if you call her at 372-3087.
