New York City Environmental Group Calls on New Yorkers to go Green for the Holidays

The holidays are a time of giving, but they don’t need to be a time of excess.  Wrapping, bows, and boxes get thrown out and holiday lights and travel use extra energy this time of year.  But by making these simple changes you can have a green Holiday Season:

• Use less energy by using solar or energy efficient holiday lights

• Cut down on waste by recycling your Christmas tree (Call 311)

• Use less paper and energy for delivery by sending e-holiday cards

• Reduce and Reuse by wrapping gifts in old newspaper or other paper that can be recycled…or better yet, give gifts in reusable shopping bags. 

• Take mass transit on shopping trips or walk off those extra holiday calories

• Give green gifts offered by environmental groups

• Cut down on food miles by buying at Greenmarkets for your Holiday meals

“Going green for Christmas does not have to make you the Grinch, said Marcel Van Ooyen, Executive Director of Council on the Environment.   “If we all take some simple steps, we can dramatically reduce the energy we use and waste we produce during the holiday season.” 

Council on the Environment NYC (CENYC) is a non-profit in the Mayor’s Office with an over 30 year history of making the city a greener place.  Its programs include Greenmarket farmers markets, Open Space Greening, Environmental Education, and the Office of Recycling Outreach and Education.