$11-billion worth of packing material. 38,000 miles of ribbon. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Americans generate 25% more trash than any other time of year. KLCC’s Tiffany Eckert reports these statistics are a real humbug for local waste managers.
“During a time period which we’re saying ‘Peace on Earth’ and we’re trying to pour out love. What we’re doing is pouring out waste.”
Sarah Grimm is Lane County’s Waste Reduction Specialist. She says there are lots of ways to cut down or eliminate holiday rubbish. Like making gifts by hand with re-used materials. Or the gift of experience-- say a theater production or ski passes. And that packaging waste?
“What’s going in our garbage can is going in millions of other people’s garbage can,” notes Grimm.
Grimm says on-line purchases are packaged in brand new materials that go straight to the trash heap.
She recommends buying locally and wrapping gifts with nothing new.
“You and I both know we can reuse a cardboard box many times,” says Grimm.
Wondering if something is Recyclable in Lane County? Look it up at www.lanecounty.org/garbageguru
Handmade gift and wrapping ideas courtesy of Lane County Waste Management: