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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alan Styles, Recycling Coordinator
SALINAS VALLEY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY
755-1300
NO ROOM AT THE BIN: TEN TIPS FOR TRIMMING HOLIDAY WASTE
December 15, 2004
One of every 11 dollars you spend on gifts goes to packaging. Approximately
373 million greeting cards, 35 million cut trees, 29 million rolls of
wrapping paper, and 17 million bows will be purchased this holiday season.
PLEASE TRIM YOUR HOLIDAY TRASH. YOU’LL SAVE RESOURCES AND
MONEY AT THE SAME TIME.
HERE ARE 10 EASY TIPS TO HELP TAKE CARE OF THE SALINAS VALLEY
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.
- Give a gift certificate. That way you know the recipients will get a gift they really want and will use.
- Make homemade goodies or give a home-cooked meal to family and friends.
- Give non-material gifts like tickets to a sporting event, movie, play, or concert.
- Buy gifts that are well made and durable that will last. Cheaply made items don’t last and end up getting thrown away.
- Choose gifts that are made of recycled materials and look for packaging that has recycled content. Stay away from gifts that are obviously over-packaged.
- Be creative in wrapping your gifts. Use recycled-content papers, Sunday comics, scarves, bandanas, fabric remnants or reusable gift bags instead of wrapping paper. Remember that most gift wrap and foil papers will not be recyclable in your community.
- Choose a reusable Christmas tree. If you purchase
a cut tree, find out if your garbage hauler will pick it up curbside
or drop it off at the Madison Lane Transfer Station or your
local landfill free of charge through the month of January 2005. - Recycle or exchange your unwanted or duplicate gifts or donate them to a nonprofit organization or someone in need.
- For your holiday parties, choose reusable plates, cups, linens, and utensils instead of disposable ones. Carefully plan the amount of food you prepare to reduce unwanted leftovers.
- And finally, make a New Year’s resolution
to help take care of the Salinas Valley by recycling at your home and
office, composting your yard waste and using less toxic home and lawn
products.
THE SALINAS VALLEY SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY
WISHES YOU A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON.
AND PLEASE,
TAKE CARE OF THE SALINAS VALLEY.
IT’S THE ONLY ONE WE’VE GOT.
REDUCE, REUSE AND RECYCLE
The Authority, formed in 1997, is a joint powers agency made up of
the cities of Gonzales, Greenfield, King City, Salinas, Soledad as well
as the eastern half of unincorporated Monterey County. They promote the
environmental health of the Salinas Valley through planning, public education
and management of an innovative solid waste system. The Authority can
be reached at 755-1300 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday or
on the web at www.svswa.org.
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