Think Before You Buy: Recycling Tips for December Shopping

The month of December is associated with shopping sprees, gift-giving, and much more. While buying presents for family and friends, we often forget about the waste that these festive holidays can generate. Packaging, electronic and food waste all contribute to our resource shortage. The good news is it isn’t too late to make better choices that can help keep our planet clean. Here are some recycling tips to keep in mind when December shopping.

1. Buy Reusable Bags

People use millions of plastic bags annually, with many of them ending up in landfills. This holiday season, opt for reusable bags when you go shopping. They are not only eco-friendly, but they are also more durable and collect more items. Some stores sell these bags, but you can also carry a cloth or string bag with you to the store. You can use these reusable bags for your groceries too!

2. Avoid Buying Single-Use Products

When shopping for decorations, try to buy reusable ornaments rather than single-use ones. Look for decorative items made from recycled materials and earth-friendly products. You can be creative and making some at home! Additionally, avoid buying holiday cards with glitter. These are not recyclable, so stick to the paper cards alone.

3. Recycle Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is one of the most significant contributors to holiday waste. To reduce this, purchase recycled and recyclable wrapping paper. Additionally, keep in mind that shiny or glittered wrapping paper cannot be recycled as they contain metal or plastic coating. To ensure sustainability, choose gift boxes, or gift bags that the recipients can use again. You can also go a step further by using newspapers, or brown paper bags.

4. Dispose of Electronics Correctly

As we go shopping for tech gadgets, it’s crucial to know how to dispose of old electronics. These items contain hazardous materials that can pollute the environment if not disposed of properly. Follow your local electronics recycling instructions or consider donating them to local organizations that can redistribute the items for reuse.

5. Choose Environmentally-Friendly Gifts

When shopping, select gifts that are eco-friendly, such as reusable water bottles, tote bags, and lunch boxes. These are not only useful but sustainable too. Alternatively, instead of buying new items, consider gifting second-hand items like books, clothing, and accessories. Also, you can gift experiences instead of physical items like an escape room experience or a spa voucher.

Conclusion

In summary, there are plenty of recycling tips to keep in mind when you’re shopping this December. Small changes can have a considerable impact on our environment. Whether you’re buying, wrapping, or using gifts, be mindful of the waste you generate – and contribute to society’s effort to keep our planet safer and greener. Hence it’s a great way to be responsible for your behavior this festive season and into the future. So, shop smart and enjoy the holiday!