While the holiday season brings people together, it’s also the time of year that generates the most trash and waste materials. Celebrate sustainability this holiday season with these environmentally friendly ways to reduce, re-use, and recycle:

Dispose of Christmas Lights Properly
When that one bulb finally burns out and it’s time to get a new string of lights, your old lights must be properly disposed of as the bulbs can break and release small amounts of harmful chemicals into the environment. Learn how and where to recycle your lights here.

Purchase a Re-useable Tree
While it may not have that fresh pine scent, incorporating a re-useable Christmas tree into your holiday décor will save you money and reduce your environmental footprint.

Shop Online
Online shopping saves you time and decreases the amount of harmful gases emitted due to the use of various means of transportation.

Alternative Gift Wrapping
Unfortunately most holiday wrapping papers are not recyclable, especially if they are made of foil or metallic materials. Purchase wrapping paper made from recyclable material or get creative and make your own wrapping substitutes from newspapers, magazines, old shopping bags, and other paper products around the house.