Once the holidays wind down, it’s important to dispose of trees, lights, and decorations properly so they can be recycled and kept out of the landfill. Use this guide to prepare your items and find the right recycling options in San Mateo County.
Each year, over 25% more waste is generated during the holiday season, adding 1 million tons of trash per week nationwide between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. By practicing a few simple, earth-friendly actions, we can significantly reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills during this festive season.
From sustainable gift ideas to local shopping and eco-friendly gift wrapping, here are eight easy ways to reduce waste for a greener holiday season.
Think back to your last trip to the grocery store: maybe you purchased some more veggies to try out a new recipe, or bought extra food in bulk because there was a sale. If you were to take a look in your trash can right now, how much of that purchase would you find? Odds are, it may be more than you expect, and you’re not alone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, a family of four is estimated to lose $3000 each year on food that never gets eaten — an average of up to $56 a week. What you may find even more surprising is that the food waste you produce at home is actually a significant contributor to climate change.
When the Park Rangers in San Mateo County needed supplies and furniture for their shop at San Bruno Mountain, they didn’t head to a retailer, they turned to the Surplus Property Program. From lockers and safety gear storage to office furniture, mirrors, and tables, Rangers were able to upgrade their workspace with reused items from all over the County.
“These items have saved us a couple of thousand dollars which I know I don’t have in my budget. We love to save items going into the landfill.” — Priscilla Alvarez, County of San Mateo Parks Supervisor
