During this year’s holiday season, many of us will exchange gifts. In the past, some of these gifts were extravagantly wrapped, using lots of paper, ribbons and big bows.
In recent years, however, we have all become much more aware of the consequences our actions have on the environment, which has led to the realization that giving to our loved ones should not come at the expense of the environment.
Recognizing this concern, Mayor Bloomberg launched his visionary Green NYC Program to create a more sensitive and sustainable environmental awareness in New York City.
This holiday season, let us all make a pledge to celebrate by giving responsibly. Let us rethink not only how we use gift-wrap, but also the very gifts we give. In addition, let us keep in mind that many of the best gifts are those we cannot put a price on.
For starters, here are a few suggestions of how you can make your holidays more festive, greener and a lot less wasteful.
Top 10 Ways to Give More and Waste Less
1. Give homemade gifts, such as cookies, handicrafts, framed photos.
2. Give entertainment, such as a museum membership, tickets to the movies, the theatre, and concerts or to sporting events.
3. Give the gift of learning, such as language or music lessons, classes in cooking, photography, or other favorite hobbies.
4. Give your time or talent, such as baby-sitting, pet sitting, computer help or home repairs.
5. Give fitness, such as gym memberships, personal training sessions, or classes in dance, yoga or Pilates.
6. Give pampering, such as a massage, facial or manicure and pedicure.
7. Give Internet service connection to a loved one.
8. Give nature, such as flower seeds to plant next spring.
9. Give that which you no longer need, such as electronics, furniture, clothes in good condition, etc. to charitable organizations that will distribute them among those in need.
10. Wrap your gifts in recycled paper. Better yet, reuse gift-wrap or create your own by using old calendars, comics, etc.
You may also choose to use an artificial tree instead of a real one. If you use a real tree, make sure you recycle or mulch it in January. Send e-mail greetings rather than paper holiday cards. In addition, if you buy greeting cards, make sure they are made from recycled paper.
For more ways to reduce, reuse and recycle, visit our website at www.nyc.gov/sanitation.
Above all else, enjoy the gift of giving as you protect the environment.
Happy Holidays!
John J. Doherty is the New York City Commissioner of Sanitation
