A Green Holiday

Statistics show that waste generation skyrockets during the holiday season. An estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the United States, enough to fill a football field 10 stories high. It is estimated that between Thanksgiving and the New Year an extra million tons of waste are generated nationwide each week. In fact, 38,000 miles of ribbon alone is thrown out each year--enough to tie a bow around the Earth! Here are a number of suggestions to reduce holiday waste:

• Reduce and reuse wrapping:. Make the wrapping part of the gift. For example, wrap kitchen items in a kitchen towel.

• When shopping, consolidate purchases in one bag.

• Save gift boxes, bows and ribbons for next year.

• Carefully plan errands and shopping to save fuel and lessen pollution.

• Recycle your old electronics if you get new ones.

• Take your tree to the end of season collections around town to be used for mulch.

• Do not burn wrapping paper. The colored paper contains lead and other heavy materials.

• Mistletoe is highly toxic to children and pets. Use artificial rather than the real thing.

Consumers today are growing more and more aware of the benefits of going green. These consumers not only look to you for assistance buying and selling their properties, but all things real estate related. Take time to become familiar with green resources in your area; from recycling centers to your efforts to improve energy efficiency in the home. Your local utility company is an excellent resource of information as well as you local Chamber of Commerce. Use this subject to build a connection with your prospects and build rapport.