BALTIMORE, MD (December 4, 2013) - During this holiday season Public Works Director Alfred H. Foxx reminds everyone that environmental protection and gift-giving can go hand-in-hand. Here are a few holiday hints. 

• Buy gifts that are made of recycled materials:
  
  
  

  Welcome mats, furniture, sandals, vases, sculptures and many other items are now being made from recycled tires. Clothing, jewelry, headphones, furniture and much more comes from recycled plastic bottles. Scrap wood and reclaimed lumber is everywhere today. Garden benches and planters, home flooring and paneling, clocks, crafts, cabinets and even fine works of art are just a few of these recycled wooden wonders. Look for the recycled materials label on the product, or go on-line and fine that eco-item.

• If you have children you know that the cost of batteries is often higher than the cost of the toys they power. Buy rechargeable batteries and keep those other batteries out of the waste stream. This will save you money!
• Buy high quality, durable clothing to reduce waste. A higher priced item may last longer and reduce the amount of merchandise ending up in landfills. Leather shoes, rather than vinyl or cloth, will wear longer and most likely feel more comfortable, especially when the thermometer drops.
• Buy quality appliances and electronics with a solid track record. A cheap big screen TV is not a bargain if it ends up in the trash in six months.
• Give gifts that promote lifestyle changes friendly to the environment. Examples include cloth napkins with matching tablecloth, purses and handbags of various recycled materials, reusable or biodegradable holiday plates, cups and utensils, and greeting cards and wrap made from recycled paper. A new recycling bin makes a great presentation box for all your gifts!
• Finally, remember to recycle your holiday wrapping material. Paper and foil wrap and cardboard can be collected curbside with the rest of your recycling materials. Take polystyrene packing materials (but not packing peanuts) to the Northwest Citizens’ Convenience Center at 2840 Sisson St. If you get new electronic gifts, check out our e-cycling drop-off locations.

For more information about recycling and e-cycling in Baltimore please go to: publicworks.baltimorecity.gov/Recycling.aspx



Happy Holidays!