SUSTAINABILITY

How to have a “GREEN” Christmas

Reuse or recycle gift packing materials. Bubble wrap can be stored for reuse or recycled. Since foam packing chips are not as easily recycled, if you do not plan to reuse them, take the chips to a shipping center who will accept it for their own use. Cardboard boxes should be opened flat and set out for recycling; storing and reusing these boxes is even more environmentally friendly and cost effective.

Save any special gift wrap, ribbons and bows. When unwrapping large gifts, save the paper for reuse; it can often be cut down for smaller presents. Ribbons and bows are easy to save and reuse.

Recycle old electronics. New flat-screen computer monitors, laptops, cameras, cell phones and other electronic items are common holiday gifts. Older models being replaced are usually still in working order and should not be discarded to a landfill. Visit: www.livethrive. org/charm for locations accepting hard-to-recycle items.

Christmas trees can be recycled too.

Live trees that have been cut are a useful material for composting. Look for tree drop-off locations in your neighborhood. Artificial trees in need of replacement can also be recycled.