Archive

Holiday Safety: Tip No. 15

Dec. 21, 1999

Tips on how to keep the environment safe this holiday season.

The biggest shopping days of the year also kick off the biggest time of the year for waste. While remembering to keep yourself and your family safe this holiday season, consider keeping the environment safe as well.

During the holidays, the combined total of wrapping paper, shopping bags and boxes accounts for 4 percent of the total solid waste generated in Los Angeles County each year. Holiday cards alone add an additional 4.4 million tons of trash.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has devised the following list of ways to reduce waste during the holidays.

Recycle your wrapping paper and Christmas cards (except those with metallic surfaces), in the mixed paper bin.
Reuse gift bags and boxes, or recycle them.
Purchase live Christmas trees that can be replanted after the holidays.
Set tables with linens and china instead of non-recyclable disposable paper plates, plastic cups and utensils.
Don't throw away old toys or clothing. Now is the time to donate them to a charitable organization to ensure that they are reused.

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.