Here at LA Stormwater, we are committed to source reduction to combat climate change. So as we find ourselves smack-dab in the middle of the holiday season, we’d like to share some helpful reminders on how you can make it an extra green season.
Gift doesn’t fit? Re-gift or Donate It! The shipping process for returns is responsible for about 16 million metric tons of carbon dioxide each year with 80% of all returned clothing items being sent to landfills. Yikes! Apparently it’s cheaper to throw away returns than to inspect, relabel, re-pack, and ship a returned product. So this year consider re-gifting instead of returning!
You get more if you shop in-store. Online shopping generates 4.8 times more packaging waste than in-store purchases. Don’t forget to bring your own bag when you shop in store, to help reduce plastic waste and save on “bag fees.”
Give experiences instead of “stuff.” We don’t know about you, but getting “stuff” for the holidays is soooo 20th century! Tickets to concerts or performances, national park passes, and museum memberships are trending and can help reduce waste from packaging paper and gift wrap while providing support for the arts, nonprofits and access to incredible open-spaces. Extra bonus? You’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.
These are just a few tips that can make the holidays more environmentally sustainable. Think of it as giving Mother Nature a holiday gift as well. Here’s wishing you a happy, climate-friendly and extra green holiday season!
