FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 15, 2004
CONTACT: Linda Long, (850) 245-2112

Celebrate this Holiday Season with Environmental Spirit

--DEP encourages reuse and recycling during season of giving--

TALLAHASSEE- During December, Floridians produce more waste than any other month of the year and more than five million tons of garbage is generated throughout the nation. Reducing, reusing and recycling can prevent pollution and protect the environment. This holiday season, the Department of Environmental Protection is encouraging residents to conserve natural resources by recycling and reusing holiday gifts and decorations.

To recycle the more than 33 million trees harvested each year for Christmas, many communities offer tree collections during the first two weeks of the year. Trees may be chipped into mulch for gardens, parks, hiking trails, playground areas and landscaping.

Packaging materials make up almost one-third of the waste generated in the United States. To reduce waste this holiday season, consider reusing old gift bags, wrapping gifts in newspaper, or eliminating wrapping all together. Reusing gift wrapping, ribbons and packaging significantly reduces waste and saves consumers money.

This year the U.S. Postal Service will handle more than 20 billion pieces of holiday mail, including holiday cards and packaged gifts. Both cards and packaging can be recycled. Most recycling collection points accept used cardboard. Foam packing peanuts can be recycled at many postal shipping stores.

In the age of technology, electronic gadgets are at the top of the gift list. This season, consider purchasing rechargeable batteries to power new electronics for years to come. Used disposable batteries can be recycled at most collection points. Whether a cell phone, stereo, television or compact disc player, local charities can put second-hand electronics to good use. Charities also accept holiday cards for craft projects.