Catalog Shoppers Beware the Junk Mail Glut
If you typically use a catalog to buy gifts, ask the company not to rent, sell or trade your name to other mailing lists when you place your order. One catalog order can get you on mailing lists for a lot of junk mail. Also avoid filling out company surveys and warranty cards. Many of these are used to market your name.

Avoid Non-Recyclables
Green and red holiday envelopes and party flyers cannot be recycled because of beater dyes in the paper that contain heavy metals. Instead, use only pastel or white paper along with festive graphics with red and green ink. Holiday cards, except those made from or embossed with foil, are recyclable with junk mail and office paper. Even better, reuse cards as next year’s gift tags or place setting cards.

Reusable or Recyclable Gift Wrap
Wrapping paper and tissue paper are not recyclable. Avoid this colorful trash by using a reused alternative: comics, posters, maps, blueprints, calendars, (all recyclable with your office paper), cloth gift bags, bandannas or a “Hollywood Box” with a pre-wrapped lid and separately wrapped bottom that can be reused without ripping the paper.

Buy Recycled Gifts and Cards
Many cards and envelopes have recycled content. Look for those with the highest post-consumer content. The Boulder Book Store, Hard Copy Recycling in Longmont and health food stores are great places to find holiday cards made with recycled paper.

Eco-Friendly Packaging
Instead of Styrofoam, use popcorn (it can be composted or re-used as decorations) or glossy ads from newspapers (the ink doesn’t smear like newspaper). If you receive a package with Styrofoam “peanuts,” bring them to a mail service store for reuse. See the Guide to Hard-to-Recycle Materials on page D of the Pull-Out Recycling Guide for locations, or see the full guide online at www.ecocycle.org.

Environmental Gifts
Give gifts that benefit the earth. These might include reusable tote bags, a bike, an energy or water saving device, a bird feeder, organic clothing/bedding/towels, or a compost bin. See this issue’s Environmental Choices on page 5 for more great ideas.

Trees
Instead of cutting down a tree, decorate a favorite houseplant or buy a live tree that can be replanted in the spring. If you do opt for a cut tree, you can have it turned into mulch through city-sponsored programs. Call Eco-Cycle at 303-444-6634 for tree mulching program information in your area.

For more good ideas on reducing waste over the holidays, visit the Center for a New American Dream web site at www.newdream.org/holiday/. Download “Simplify the Holidays,” a 14 page brochure on practical tips for having a holiday with more joy and less stuff.