Recycling for the Holidays: 5 Recycling Ideas for Our Environment

As the “season of giving” fast approaches us, it is important to remember that we can celebrate all of the holidays, and still be good to our planet. Recycling is very important as it helps conserve natural resources, reduce pollution, and minimize waste.  As we move through the holidays, we can integrate recycling into our everyday lives, not just today but for the future. More information on the importance of recycling and the impact on the planet can be found here.

Here are five simple recycling ideas that help you get started and make a big impact on our environment.  Each tip is easy to follow, making it possible for anyone to make a difference during the holidays and every day of the year.

Recycling During the Holidays

1. Establish a Home Recycling Station

• We can all open a dedicated recycling station in our homes. This is one of the most crucial ways in which we’ll participate in recycling.  This is effectively done by clearly labelling separate bins for plastic, glass, paper and metal.
• Once the recyclables are organized, our entire households will get encouraged to efficiently sort and participate in recycling hence saving the environment.
• To ensure that you sort material correctly, always check and abide by your national and local recycling regulations and guidelines.
• Look here for a guide to recycling and sorting gift wrap and other holiday items

Here is a sample home recycling station:

2. Repurpose Everyday Items

• Before dumping or throwing away anything that you’ve used, always think about how reusable it can be. Cardboard boxes can be transformed into art and craft projects, old jars turned into storage containers and wine bottles plus other bottles repurposed as flower vases and other decorative items inside and outside the home.
• We can all reduce the holiday waste that ends up in landfills, oceans, and other waterways through repurposing and reusing items.
• For motivation, you can exercise exciting monthly or weekly “repurpose projects” where you transform everyday items into new or useful items.

3. Participate in Community Recycling Programs

• Many cities and municipalities offer special recycling initiatives like electronic waste collection days, hazardous material drop-offs or composting programs. You can research and participate in these great programs.
• Organize a neighbourhood “post holiday recycling run or drop off” and get neighbors to participate – this helps spread the workload and provides motivation from your neighbours as well as accountability to help you get your waste taken care of
• You can also engage in and become a community champion by advocating for or starting a local recycling drive if your area lacks such programs.

4. Purchase Recycled and Upcycled Products

• The recycling industry will significantly benefit when we all support it by purchasing products made from recycled material. These include toys, furniture, clothing, electronics and other office and household items.
• Buying upcycled goods which are made by reusing waste material like bags or accessories made from recycled plastic will highly reduce waste and environmental destruction.
• It is important to purchase recycled and upcycled products because this reduces demand for new resources and supports companies that prioritize sustainability and conservation of the environment.

5. Compost Your Organic Waste

• Composting is a fantastic way to recycle food scraps and other organic waste. Instead of sending your leftovers to landfills where they release harmful methane gases, you can turn them into nutrient-rich compost which benefit your garden or local green spaces.
• If you lack a farm or yard, consider supplying your compost to urban composting programs which accept food waste.
• You can start small by using an indoor composting solution or creating a composting bin in your backyard. This will go a long way in making your own fertilizer which in return will benefit the environment and planet as a whole.
• Reducing what you purchase is also a great way to start small, here are some tips on sustainable shopping for the holidays 
• Here is a quick video on composting

When All is Said and Done…

Envision a world where we all challenge ourselves to conserve the environment by embracing the above ideas on and beyond Global Recycling Day.  This can be achieved by taking small, consistent actions.  In the end we’ll all contribute to a healthier planet, not just today, but every day of the year.  Recycling is more than just a routine; it’s a commitment to safeguarding and conserving our environment.  Let’s all better our environment and planet by making every day a recycling day!

We’re all capable of creating a better world by undertaking one positive action every day, week or month of the year.  Further recycling inspiration can be found under these blogs:

Gloria Rumar

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Gloria is a passionate advocate for kindness, saving animals, volunteering and environmental sustainability. With a deep commitment to making a difference every day, she actively seeks out opportunities to give back; be it through volunteering, supporting local causes or advocating for positive change in the world. Inspired by the 365give mission, she believes that small daily actions have the power to create a ripple effect of positivity which in turn help build a more compassionate world.

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