Page 10 - Sonoma County Gazette 12-2019

USE our Holiday Events Guide to ENJOY this Holiday Season SEE pages 67 ~ 71
Sustainable Gift Guide
When it comes to ornaments, choose ones that you will enjoy displaying year after year. Switch to LED string lights for your home and tree if possible. Old holiday lights cannot be recycled in the blue curbside recycling carts,
but may be recycled through our e-waste recycling programs at each county transfer station and e-waste events.
Zero Waste
for the Holiday Season
By Sloane Pagal, Zero Waste Program Manager
The holidays are a season of excess, but by making some key changes, you don’t have to give up any joy to have a great time. and feel good about your habits.
Cards: Holiday Cards have short life span, and often end up in the garbagebin. Go paperless, and your friends and family can keep that memory long after the holidays are over. There are many online vendors that provide elegant, customizable paperless options for the holidays and any occasion.
Choose against glittery cards or those that light up or sing. Glitter cannot be recycled, and the batteries that power the light up and singing cards must be removed and recycled at an appropriate battery collection site.
Trees: Consider using a living, potted plant or tree instead of
one from a tree farm. If you are able to cut your unflocked, real tree to fit inside your curbside green bin, the local haulers will accept it for compost. Otherwise, please call the Christmas Tree hotline at 707-565-3333 for home pickup by local non-profits ($7-10 donation suggested).
Artificial trees are also a good alternative, as they can be reused each year – especially if you don’t have easy access to a curbside yard waste bin so that a real tree can be composted. Or if you’re looking to save some space, you can make a tree using sticks and twine like this one or even wine corks.
Decorations: When it comes to decorating zero waste style, it’s all about using things you already have, can acquire second hand, or easily find in nature. Some ideas for a natural look include pinecones and tree branches, garland made from red fallen leaves, cinnamon sticks, and foliage which can be reused each year or composted. Try not to get sucked into buying new trinkets you truly don’t need – it will save you the agony of packing up additional décor at the end of the holiday season.
Experiences rather than things are a great option–especially for those who already seem to have everything.
Consider homemade vs. store-bought. Also, look for durable, energy- efficient, goods, gifts that give back, and items that can be recycled or composted at their end of life. Choose email receipts, items with minimal packaging, and opt-out of free gifts with purchase.
If You Opt for Consumables:
• Museum Memberships
• Sonoma County Regional Parks Pass
• Gift Certificates to Restaurants & Event/ Music Venues
• Digital Newspaper or Magazine Subscription
• Audiobook Subscription
• Exercise Classes or Gym Membership
• Scavenger Hunt
• Escape Room
• Donating to a Local Nonprofit
• Cooking, Creative Arts, Photography, or Writing Class – many available through SRJC Community Education
• Sporting Event Tickets
• Inviatation to Share Time
• Cookies, Baked Goods, or Salty Snack Mix in Mason Jars
• Homemade Soup Mix in a Mason jar
• Beeswax or Soy Candles, or Soap Made with Essential Oils
• Knitted, Stitched, or Crocheted Items
• Original Artwork
• Wooden Children’s Toys
• Shampoo Bars
• Coffee Beans
Bought in Bulk
• Fresh Baked Bread
• Growler of Beer or Wine
• Candied Fruit Peels
• Bamboo Toothbrush
• Reusable Cloth Produce Bags
• Beeswax Wrap
• Reusable Cutlery Set with Carrying Case
• Cloth Napkins
• Reusable Paper Towels • Solar Lantern
CONSIDER putting together an Emergency Kit for somone you love - make sure it has everything that fits into a
GO BAG, including mylar blankets, wind-up radio, etc. FIND the LIST of materials online @ SonomeCountyGazette.com
10 - www.sonomacountygazette.com - 12/19