GO GREEN FOR THE HOLIDAYS

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the amount of household trash increases by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day!

Maui Thing doesn't want you to waste the holidays with waste. Here are some green tips to keep in mind when you're shopping for gifts or celebrating the season.

Cards and gifts

• Be on the lookout for gifts and cards that are recyclable or have recycled content.

• Consider substituting postcards for cards.

• Reuse old holiday cards as gift tags.

• Buy vintage or antique gifts like jewelry or dishware.

• Send e-greeting cards.

• Make a donation in honor of someone.

• Give the gift of a living plant or packets of seeds.

• Plant a tree in honor of someone.

• Give a gift certificate for a massage or a facial.

• Send someone an e-gift card for iTunes.

• Buy movie passes.

Decorating

• Decorate with more energy-efficient mini-lights and use them only when someone is home. This will reduce energy and reduce fire hazards.

• Avoid foil, plastic-embossed paper, and cards because they use many resources in the manufacturing process.

• Recycle wrapping paper from last year, or consider wrapping presents with cloth or newsprint. Use the comics, travel, or sport sections.

Food

• When giving food as gifts, use recyclable containers.

• Store leftovers in reusable containers.

• When shopping at the market, bring your own tote for groceries.

Recycling

• Be sure to recycle as much paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum as you can- especially after holiday parties.

• Reuse the large bags with handles stores usually give you when you buy multiple items. Bring them with you when you shop so you won't need new ones for your purchases.

• Don't take a new gift box with your purchase if you have a supply of old ones, or try to wrap it without a box.