Avoid Holiday Waste

Gaily wrapped, ribbon bedecked packages look festive under the tree, but not nearly so pretty in a landfill. Americans throw away a staggering 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than any other time of year, says Kerry House of Utah State University Extension. Decorate brown paper bags, recycle children’s artwork, or use scrap fabric to wrap gifts, she says. Or consider hiding children’s unwrapped presents around the house and leaving clues.