Season's Greenings! Tips for being kind to the environment this holiday season

Season's greenings from the MCC Green Initiatives Task Force!

During this season filled with merriment and joy, there are lots of little things you can do to keep your holiday festivities from being a big drain on the environment.

Here are some tips for being (ever)green both at work and at home this time of year:

• Earth-friendly office de-cluttering: If you use the end of the year as an opportunity to purge all of the old paper files you no longer need, don't forget to toss those papers in an MCC recycling bin instead of in the wastebasket. Remember - lots of different recycleable items can now be comingled in the blue bins located throughout the campuses and other MCC locations.


• Mindful wrapping: As you are planning your gift-wrapping strategy, consider options that are just as kind to the environment as they are pretty to look at. Check wrapping-paper packaging to see if it is recycleable or is made from post-consumer waste (which means it has already been recycled). As a general rule, paper with foil or plastic elements or that use a lot of dye aren't recycleable, but many other types are. Check with your local municipality or recycling center to see what they will accept. Decorative gift bags, which are likely to be reused by recipients, are also a good option for reducing waste. Same goes for pretty tissue paper - why buy it again and again when you can just fold up gently used pieces and stow them away for your next gift-giving occasion? And if you're the creative type, there are plenty of alternatives to expensive, non-recycleable wrapping materials!


• Green up your holiday party with more than just pine trees and holly: If you are hosting a gathering for friends or family, there are several simple things you can do to reduce the environmental impact of your get-together. Consider using non-disposable plates and cups; if you do choose disposable dishware, look for paper products made from a high percentage of post-consumer waste. Also, make it easy for your guests to recycle cans and other items by setting a recycling bin next to the trash can.

So, as you are spending time with family and friends this holiday season, don't forget about everyone's favorite family member: Mother Nature. I mean, just think about all she's done for you!

Remember to keep up with the Green Initiatives Task Force year-round by visiting our facebook page. We wish you a safe, happy and earth-conscious holiday!