Written by Randy Klauk, Hennepin County Community Recycling Ambassador

The holidays are going to be here very soon so it’s time to be thinking about recycling. What can be recycled, what can’t be and how can we reduce the amount of recycling in the first place. Here’s some tips from Hennepin County.

Sustainable holiday shopping tips

Shop at thrift stores. Whether you’re shopping for anything holiday-related, try first to buy secondhand. You’ll prevent usable items from going to the trash, and you’ll save money over buying new.
Shop local. You’ll reduce the number of resources consumed by transporting items from faraway distances while supporting local businesses.
Give gifts that promote sustainability. Consider a cookbook with recipes for leftovers, or a reusable carryout container.
Gift the gift of experiences. The last thing many people want is more stuff to crowd their home. Give them an experience instead – such as tickets to an event, play or concert; a membership to something they normally get themselves. A pass to the State Parks or a gift certificate to a local restaurant.
Adopt the one-gift practice. Many families draw names as part of a one-gift rule, so instead of giving a gift to every member of your family or friends, you give a gift only to the person whose name you have drawn. This is a great way to prevent waste.
Instead of buying a gift, give your time and talent to a loved one. Devoting a day to someone special can be among the most meaningful of gifts.
Purchase gifts that are long-lasting, reusable or recyclable.
Look for gifts that don’t require batteries. If you can’t resist giving a product that needs batteries, include a pack of rechargeable batteries along with the gift.
Bring a reusable bag when shopping. Say no to plastic!
Stuff stockings with delicious natural treats vs. plastic-wrapped items.
Give gift cards (better yet, give electronic gift cards). Gift cards make it easy for the recipient to choose something they truly want.

Gift wrap, holiday cards and packaging tips

Put gifts in reusable bags. This is a great way to cut down on the use of wrapping paper, much of which is unrecyclable due to its shiny coatings, foils and glitter. Only use the amount of wrap that you need. Here’s a neat trick: Loop string around gift boxes, then lay it out on the wrapping paper to determine exactly how much to cut for your gift wrap.
Wrap unconventionally, wrap with old maps, the comics section of a newspaper, children’s artwork or pages from magazines you may have. Use scarves, dish towels, bandanas or some useful cloth item that’s a gift itself.
Don’t wrap at all! Use gift bags that can be used by the recipient when they give a gift.
Reuse gift bags you already have. Save clothing boxes, ribbons, bows and wrapping paper and use them the following year.
Buy holiday cards that are made from recycled paper. Even better, buy ones that direct a portion of the profit to a worthy organization. And remember, No Glitter! Anything with glitter cannot be recycled.
Plan your shopping in advance to reduce the number of trips you have to make.

Holiday food and party tips

Plan your menu and calculate how much food you’ll need before you begin meal preparations.
Serve locally grown food whenever possible. Purchasing locally grown food, organic wines and local microbrews helps the environment and the local economy.
Cook multiple items in the same oven and run appliances on full loads.
Avoid buying individually packaged drinks.
Serve your guests with reusable cups, dishware and utensils.
Tell your guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers.
Compost your food scraps.
Use ecofriendly food storage. Try swapping out plastic wrap for beeswax wraps, which can be hand-washed and reused.
Turn your heat down just before guests arrive. People naturally give off body heat, so reduce your temperature setting by a few degrees. Your guests will keep the temperature in your home stable naturally.

Don’t add to your holiday stress by feeling like you have to adopt these practices all at once. This is about changing your habits, make a few changes this year, and each holiday add a few more. Before long you’ll be a recycling leader!