LiveGreen: Holiday cleanup

After weeks of preparation, the holiday season is finally here, so let’s talk about cleaning up after.

Hosting or attending a holiday party? We hope you are using reusable items, but if you can’t, consider compostable or recyclable. “Waste Less. Recycle More. @ Lunch” applies at any event. Let guests know where to dispose of items, making it just as easy as sending them to the landfill.

Christmas trees can be reused in your own yard. Whole trees provide birds some shelter, while branches can be cut off and placed over perennial plants to protect against frost heave. The unused portion or entire tree can be recycled. Remove nails, wires, ornaments, tree stands, plastic bags, and lights (flocked trees are OK), and take them to any of the locations listed in the sidebar, until Jan. 9. Wreaths and evergreen roping are not accepted but can be composted once you remove the metal wires.

Volunteers will be in place on Jan. 7-8 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. to help unload. Save gas and spread some holiday cheer by combining trips with your neighbors. View complete information and updated locations.

Have old Christmas lights or dead strands that you don’t use anymore? Take them to Scrap Central or one of their drop off sites for free recycling. Remove all packaging, bags, twist ties and rubber bands and Scrap Central will recycle them, donating the proceeds to local charities.

Use received holiday cards for crafts, kid projects or scrapbooking, and recycle everything else. Consider electronic cards next year and save a tree. Reuse as many wrapping and decorating supplies as you can. Compost leftover food that you won’t eat and take leftover goodies to the office or local groups.

Take the time to note what you’d like to change next year, and save money during after-Christmas sales. Do you need some extra dishes or cloth napkins so you can eat with resuables? Too much wasted food? Write down what you can cut back on now.

Were the holidays more about stuff than substance? You aren’t alone — 70 percent of Americans would welcome less emphasis on gift giving and spending. Consider cutting back and start planning with your family now. Reduce what you buy, draw names, host an alternative gift fair or donate to a charity instead. Simplify the holidays now to have a great season next year.