Green Initiative Articles

December 2009

Dec. 6 - GREEN IDEAS FOR MAILING GIFTS
Rather than using annoying stryrofoam "peanuts" for packing gifts, consider these green options:
• Dry, popped popcorn (Include a note explaining that birds can eat it.)
• Biodegradable starch packing peanuts.
• Used packing peanuts from previous gifts 
• Crumpled glossy ads from the newspaper. (Ink on glossy paper won't smear as it does on the rest of the newspaper.)
If you receive gifts with packing material (styro or spongy "packing peanuts")  drop off at Pack-N-Ship, 3300 Asbury Rd, 556-6655; "Jake" said they'll reuse, good for greening).
Resource: www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/nowaste.cfm

Dec. 13 - GREEN IDEAS FOR WRAPPING GIFTS
Trying to avoid the "gift wrap trap?" Here are some bright ideas for  greener gift wrapping.
• Scarves, handkerchiefs, fabric scraps, hand-sewn cloth bags
• Old posters, maps,  newspaper classifieds or Sunday comic pages
• Pages from a child's coloring book taped together (for relatives who would enjoy the artwork)
• Last year's holiday paper, press with warm iron if wrinkled
• A present in a present (hat in matching scarf, cookies in reusable tin or cookie jar,  kitchen gifts in hand towels) 
• Cloth totes tied shut with a perky bow
• Purchased wrapping paper made from recycled paper.
-www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/nowaste.cfm

Dec. 20 - CHRISTMAS WRAP NOT RECYCLABLE
The Dec. 14 TH  article, "Bad Wrap," explained that typical Christmas wrapping is not recyclable, and must be trashed. Too much tinsel, glitter, imbedded inks on the cheery paper "can create a contaminant that lowers the value." So Christmas wrap must not be put in yellow recycling bins, according to Dittmer Recycling. Also nixed for recycling are styrofoam packaging and Christmas cards; put these in the waste basket too. A good New Year's resolution is to resolve in 2010 to wrap birthday, anniversary and holiday gifts in eco-friendly ways (newsprint, Kraft paper, fabric, maps, tote bags, etc.).  - Telegraph Herald, "Bad Rap," Andy Piper, page 1.  

Dec. 27 - NOTES: U.N. CLIMATE CHANGE CONFERENCE
Copenhagen, Dec. 7-18 
"[The suffering of the poor from climate shifts] is a pivotal point for all people of faith and good will . . . What is
necesssary if a fundamental shift in our models of development. Climate change is exacerbating and increasing poverty and inequality. The more we delay taking effective action, the greater the impacts of climate clange are going to be " 
Quote from Cliona Sharkey policy/advocacy officer of CIDSE, an international network of Catholic development agencies.
-'World Leaders asked to consider effects of Climate Change on Poor,' America Magazine, Dec. 14, 2009