Celebrate the holidays while keeping the environment clean

By Vince Yuen, Refuse Refuse

Did you know that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, Americans produce about 25% more waste than any other time of the year? This is a significant increase in waste that can negatively impact the community spaces we know and love by, adding to the increasing litter and debris we see across the state. 

I enjoy seeing my community clean and litter free, which is why I’m encouraging all of you to join me in doing our part to minimize the amount of waste we create this holiday season. To help, here are four simple ways we can celebrate our holiday traditions and reduce waste:

1. Use Recyclable Gift-Wrapping: Instead of traditional wrapping paper that often ends up in landfills, use recyclable or reusable gift wrap such as newspaper or paper bags. But don’t forget to recycle the paper afterward – just remove the tape before putting it in the recycling bin. A creative alternative is to replace wrapping paper with gently used scarves, making it two gifts in one. You can also package baked goods and other edible gifts in reusable containers, making it two gifts in one.  
2. Send E-Cards: Send electronic holiday cards instead of traditional paper cards. Or get creative and make your own cards using recyclable paper or paper scraps. 
3. Use Natural Decorations: For beautiful and more sustainable decorations, choose natural items like pinecones, holly, and evergreen branches, which can often be found on the ground or collected at no cost where holiday trees are sold. You’ll even save money by not purchasing single-use decorations, and with proper organic waste disposal, you can return everything to nature after the holidays by simply adding it to your organic waste bin.
4. Create Greener Gatherings: When gathering for the holidays, reduce excess waste by using real dishware and utensils instead of single-use disposable plates, cups, and silverware. The holidays are family time – make a new tradition by adding in 30 minutes to the dinner for clean-up. Or opt for compostable single use dishware and utensils to allow for easy composting after dinner is over. Not only will the clean-up be fast and easy, but the host will also thank you. 

By taking small, actionable steps like the tips listed above, we can help keep our communities clean and green during the holiday season and for celebrations year-round. 

Want to do even more? Get involved in community cleanup! Local cleanups are held throughout the year. Visit CleanCA.com to find one near you and to learn more helpful tips on ways to keep your community clean.

Vince Yuen, Community Organizer and Founder, Refuse Refuse 

Vince Yuen is a regular Californian who cares about creating a clean environment for future generations. He started out by cleaning his block with his two daughters. Through these local clean-up efforts, he discovered others who felt the same way and were already picking up trash.  Word spread to neighbors from all over the city. They came together and joined the Refuse Refuse movement to keep their city clean. Yuen discovered that caring for San Francisco was one of his greatest passions. He established Refuse Refuse in March 2021 and has organized 1,500+ community cleanups. Through a collective community-driven effort of 13,000+ volunteers, Refuse Refuse has collected 800,000+ gallons of litter. Learn more about Vince Yuen and his work at Refuse Refuse by visiting www.refuserefusesf.org.

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