All wrapping paper is recyclable except wrapping paper with foil, no ribbons or bows and no

metallic inks or glitter. Recycle your wrapping paper at the landfill or transfer station this year with

It’s greener to give used items than to give new green items. It takes a lot of energy and natural

resources to make stuff. To be green, give a gift that used no additional energy to create.

Antique shops and thrift stores are cheap and often have some really cool stuff. Re-gifts (gifts you

received from last year, but never use) can be passed on to someone who will use and appreciate

them. Give away the bike, appliance, or gadget that you never use. It will save you time, money and

Reuse old maps, magazines, and gift cards as wrapping, decoration or tags. The Sunday comics or

You can also use old shoeboxes, cloth napkins or gift bags from last year to add flair to your giftwrapping

projects.

Plan your holiday meals and parties carefully to reduce avoidable and costly waste. Package

leftovers and distribute them to guests as they leave. COMPOST all food scraps and uneaten

leftovers to keep them out of the landfill.

Thrift shops and tag sales have an abundance of reusable plates, utensils and glasses, often at a low

price that is comparable to buying disposable items. Buy a whole bunch and then keep them in

storage for your next party. You can also call a neighbor and borrow additional place settings for a

large party. If you do use paper plates and napkins, know that they are compostable. Plant-based plastics

and biodegradable cutlery and cups are also available.

If you buy new gifts, send a message to manufacturers by choosing items with minimal packaging.

Gifts that are consumable such as baked goods, coffee, cheese or wine have minimal, recyclable

packaging and are immediately enjoyed, appreciated, and won’t go to waste. Buy gift certificates to

businesses in the valley.

Material gifts require resource extraction, transportation, manufacture, distribution, purchase and

environmental costs associated with of all of our material stuff. Gifts that are immaterial will last

forever. Offer time and services to loved ones such as babysitting, household chores, or a night out.

microloans to third-world citizens so that they can start a business that will sustain them and their

family. These loans of about $50 dollars can help make a huge difference in the lives of the worlds’

less fortunate people and they are repaid 98.4% of the time. After it is repaid, they can either be

redeemed or revolved back into another loan…it’s up to you. Heifer International (www.heifer.org)

provides livestock, bees, and other beneficial gifts that can offer ongoing nutrition and income to the

world’s poor one family at a time. The gifts are inexpensive, and can be given in someone else’s name.

Reminder: charitable donations are tax-deductible.

Reduce your carbon emissions by doing all of your shopping at once, rather than in multiple trips.

Carpool with family and reduce air travel by taking a train or driving to your holiday destination.

Keep your car tuned up, and tires properly inflated to optimize your car’s fuel efficiency

Get together, organize and connect with your family to buy one meaningful, durable, fantastic gift

for someone. Many hands make light work, and small contributions can add up quickly to get a few

great gifts for everyone.

There are many ways to eliminate unwanted catalogs and junk mail that waste energy, resources

and paper. Check out www.obviously.com/junkmail/ or sign up for www.stopjunk.com with

preaddressed cards that will reduce your junk mail easily.

bags, solar chargers, plants or gardening tools are all good options too.

GREEN Northampton’s mission is to foster Northampton's community bonds and promote

environmentally sustainable lifestyles in response to climate change and resource depletion.

The organization coordinates the efforts of the GREEN Teams in the public schools in

Northampton and advocates for a carbon neutral Northampton and a reduction of Northampton’s

solid waste stream to the landfill by 90% by 2011. GREEN Northampton is a 501(c)3 nonprofit.

For more information or questions, contact David Starr 413 584 8785 or at