As the holiday season approaches, in addition to thinking about celebrating, it can also be a time of increased consumption and waste. Americans throw away 25% more trash during the Thanksgiving to New Year’s holiday period than any other time of year. From gift-giving to feasts, the environmental impact can be substantial. But with a few mindful choices, we can significantly reduce our ecological footprint. By embracing sustainable practices, we can honor the spirit of the season while protecting our local environment in Oakland County.

Common Holiday Items: How to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle

1. Wrapping Paper & Gift Presentation

• Only paper-based wrapping paper without glitter, foil, or plastic coatings can be recycled. A simple “scrunch test works well: if the paper balls up, it can likely be recycled; if it springs back, it belongs in the trash.
• Save and reuse gift bags, boxes and tissue paper.
• Get creative by using colorful pages from newspapers, old maps, or even children’s artwork as unique wrapping.
• Consider fabric wraps. Reusable tins or baskets are also great alternatives.

2. Greeting Cards & Envelopes

• Recycle cards and envelopes made of paper or cardstock.
• Avoid cards with glitter, foil, or plastic embellishments, as these cannot be recycled.
• Choose eco-friendly cards that can be planted (like paper cards embedded with seeds), which are biodegradable and more environmentally friendly or consider sending an e-card.

3. Packaging and Shipping Materials

• Flatten all cardboard boxes for curbside recycling. Ensure they are free of tape.
• Check with your local waste hauler for guidelines on plastic film, air pillows, and bubble wrap.
• When purchasing gifts, look for companies that use minimal, recyclable, or biodegradable packaging.
• Support your community and avoid excess shipping materials by shopping locally at small businesses. A great example is buying holiday cards, ornaments, and gifts at local holiday craft fairs.

4. Holiday Lights & Decorations

• Do not throw old or non-working Christmas lights in the trash. Recycle them at designated recycling centers, such as SOCRRA and RRRASOC.
  • Recycle broken lights by mail here.
• Upcycle broken lights for craft projects, such as wreaths or garlands.
• Donate unwanted lights to a thrift or resale shop.
• Avoid purchasing single-use plastic decorations such as tinsel. Instead, choose reusable decorations and decorations made of natural materials, like wood.
• If you’re purchasing new lights, invest in energy-efficient LEDs. They use less electricity and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

5. The Holiday Feast: Mindful Cooking & Leftovers

• Plan your meals to minimize waste.
• Join local social media groups and share excess food with neighbors.
• Take food scraps to compost locations like My Green Michigan – Food Waste Recycling and Compost — SOCRRA.

If you have a real Christmas tree, remember to recycle it. Most communities in Oakland County offer curbside pick-up for trees to be turned into mulch. Be sure to remove all ornaments, lights and strands.

If you are unsure how to dispose of an item, use the SOCRRA’s Waste Wizard as a guide.

Enjoy a festive and environmentally friendly holiday season. Remember, small actions can make a big difference. Check out our Office of Sustainability’s Waste Reduction & Management tips to keep your home sustainable going into the new year.

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