Buying. Wrapping. Shipping. Decorating. Here in Portland, Oregon and everywhere else, the holiday season is in full swing, and that means all of the waste that goes along with the festivities is beginning to pile up.

We’re not trying to be a scrooge. We just want to share some tips for making the holidays a little less wasteful this year. Here are 10 of our favorite ones – though we’re in favor of anything that makes the season greener:

1. Decline bags.
   When you’re shopping, decline bags as often as possible. Bring your own reusable bags or use the bag you received at the first store at the next several stores too.
2. Choose gifts with minimal packaging.
   Make a conscious choice to buy products that are minimally packaged or packaged in recyclable materials.
3. Buy recycled wrapping paper – and reuse it.
   Or repurpose paper, such as newspapers and magazines, you already have around the house to wrap presents.
4. Make the giftwrap part of the gift.
   Use a dishtowel or T-shirt to wrap presents or place gifts inside a nice jar or vase.
5. Rethink holiday cards.
   Send postcards instead of cards to eliminate the envelope. Even better, send e-cards or make a video call to eliminate paper – and stamps – all together.
6. Give experiences.
   Consider gift cards or tickets to movies, restaurants, classes, concerts or sporting events so the recipient experiences something meaningful rather than getting something tangible.
7. Make the donation the gift.
   By making charitable donations in friends and family members’ names, you can make them feel good while helping others.
8. Skip single-use dinnerware and cookware.
   Just say no to paper and plastic cups, plates and utensils. Use cloth napkins. And serve or transport food in reusable containers. If you’re worried about leaving your favorite dish behind at a party, buy a new one and plan to leave it with the host as a gift.
9. Decorate naturally.
   Trim your tree with pinecones, dried flowers, popcorn garland, berries or shells – things that, if they end up in a landfill, they won’t be there forever.
10. Recycle your tree.
    Check with your city on curbside tree pickup days or find a drop-off center in your area. Or buy a potted tree you can plant in your yard later.

And, when the holidays are said and done? Donate clothing, toys and even appliances you no longer need so someone else can get some use out of them. Now that’s smart recycling.

Contact Us!

We hope you have a safe and joy-filled holiday season. If you have any questions or needs be sure to call us at 503-277-2300 or send us a note at info [at] foxinsure [dot] com, Fox Insurance Agency are your local insurance experts serving Portland, Beaverton, and throughout the rest of Oregon and Washington.  We are always ready to assist you with your home insurance policy, auto insurance policy, and other insurance needs. You can also protect your property in the event of an earthquake with a personal earthquake insurance policy. Just ask our agents if your situation may benefit from a policy like this. You can also visit our insurance website 24/7 to see about the other insurance products we offer.

Reposted with permission from the original author, Safeco Insurance.