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Springfield: Environmental Services encourages choosing low-waste gifts and wrapping this holiday season

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~ As the holiday season approaches, Springfield Environmental Services is urging residents to be mindful of their gift-giving and wrapping choices in order to reduce seasonal waste. According to the organization, each year there is a significant increase in landfill tonnage as people discard wrapping materials, packaging, toys, clothing and other items.

Ashley Krug, the Environmental Services Market Development Coordinator, explains that during the holidays there is a higher volume of items being thrown away compared to any other time of year. She notes that many items such as clothes, toys, decorations and unused gifts could have been reused or recycled instead of ending up in the garbage. Krug emphasizes that making small changes in our approach to gifting and wrapping can have a big impact on both our community and the landfill.

To help residents make low-waste gifting choices, Springfield offers a variety of resources. One suggestion is to shop secondhand at thrift stores, antique shops, resale boutiques or online marketplaces. This not only avoids additional packaging but also supports local jobs and non-profits. Another idea is to give experiences instead of physical objects. Family memberships, gift cards, outings or homemade "time together" coupons can create lasting memories without adding clutter.

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For those who still want to give physical gifts, Springfield suggests gifting a tree from a local nursery. This provides a long-lasting present that also benefits the environment by reducing stormwater runoff and providing wildlife habitat.

Before bringing new items home for the holidays, Springfield encourages residents to donate any old or unused items first. The city's Waste Wizard tool can help locate donation and recycling options for these items.

When it comes to gift wrapping, Springfield reminds residents that this can contribute significantly to excess waste during the holidays. However, many gift-wrapping materials can be recycled at one of the city's Drop-off Recycling Centers located at Franklin Avenue Recycling Center at 731 N. Franklin Ave., Lone-Pine Recycling Center at 3020 S. Lone Pine Ave., and Yardwaste Recycling Center at 3790 S Farm Rd 119 in Brookline, MO.

Accepted items for recycling at these centers include plain paper wrapping, cardboard boxes, and paper gift bags without glitter or foil. However, foil wrapping, glitter-covered bags, bows and paper, as well as laminated or metallic packaging cannot be recycled.

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For a more sustainable option, Springfield suggests using reusable gift wrap such as fabric or cloth wraps, reusable bags, scarves, bandanas or even a t-shirt. This not only reduces waste but can also add a personal touch to the gift.

In conclusion, Springfield Environmental Services is reminding residents that thoughtful choices about gifts and wrapping can make a significant difference in reducing seasonal waste. By shopping secondhand, giving experiences instead of objects, donating before bringing new items home and being mindful of gift-wrapping materials, residents can help create a more sustainable holiday season for their community and the environment.

Filed Under: Government, City
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