Tips On Limiting Environmental Waste This Holiday Season
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Between Thanksgiving and New Year's, Americans throw out 25 percent more trash, according to the US EPA.
That means an extra one-million tons, the agency said.
A spokeswoman for Waste Management says there are several things you can do to limit your part. WBBM's Nancy Harty reports.
"You might look for gifts that are made out of recycled or organic materials."
Lisa Disbrow suggests you start by thinking about where that gift will end up while shopping for the holidays and buy things like plants or give tickets to events such as sporting events or performances.
"They are great reminders of holidays year round," Disbrow said. "And benefit the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide."
Keep the green theme in mind when wrapping gifts. She said you could reuse an old bag, or wrap with newspaper or reusable items instead of traditional wrapping paper.
Waste Management doesn't accept wrapping paper with foil or glitter in it for recycling, but plain paper is fine.
It's worth checking with your local trash hauler, Waste Management customers will have to wait an extra day for pickup after Christmas, as the 26th is a company holiday.