November 15, 2006

Charlotte, NC – As shoppers and retailers prepare for the busy holiday shopping season, it's a great opportunity to save money and help the environment. Purchase gifts that don't create trash. It's called WASTE REDUCTION, or reducing the amount of trash BEFORE it's generated.

Mecklenburg County's waste reduction plan calls for a 30-percent reduction in the amount of trash going to the landfill by 2015. As of 2005, the County was about halfway there. The holidays are prime season for generating trash and a great opportunity to help the County achieve this goal.

For example, about 40,000 miles of ribbon is thrown away each year during the holiday season – enough to tie a bow around the world. Mecklenburg County offers gift ideas that will reduce the amount of trash going out to the curb and into the landfills. They could also save you time, energy and gas by reducing the number of shopping trips.

- Gift certificate. That way, you know the gift will be wanted, used and kept.
- Make gifts like a home-cooked meal or baked goodies.
-Non-material gifts, like tickets to a sporting event, concert, movie or play.
-Make a charitable donation in someone's name.
-Reuse old holiday cards to make your own gift certificates, such as a free babysitting service.
-A refurbished family heirloom or keepsake, like a rocking chair, bicycle or jewelry.
- Recycling gear, like a compost bin or can crusher.
-Energy saving light bulbs.
-Think durable gifts with long-term warranties.
-Look for gifts that are unpackaged or minimally packaged, without unnecessary plastic or cardboard.

Did you know… 82 percent of Americans would rather receive a photo album of times shared growing up than a store-bought gift?

For more information on recycling and waste reduction during the holidays, click here or call 704-336-5359, Ext 5.