According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans, on average, increase their trash output by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years. That adds up to a lot of garbage so the following list can help you reduce your environmental impact just a bit in the coming months.

• When shopping online, consolidate your orders into as few shipments as possible.
• Consider buying locally produced gifts or antiques. Not only will you help support your local economy, you will also reduce the distance gifts have to travel to get to you from production.
• Attempt to limit the number of shopping trips you make by making lists and checking them twice.
• Instead of buying wrapping paper, try to use old maps or sections of the newspaper.
• When purchasing cards, check for cards made from recycled paper... even better yet, send ecards to all those you can.
• Consider buying a potted Christmas tree! These trees are able to be planted outside after the holidays.
• Replace the lights on your Christmas tree with a set of LED Christmas lights. They are a little more expensive in the store, but will save you money on your electric bill, and if one goes out, the whole set will still remain lit!
• Use real plates at holiday parties instead of disposable. Might take a little extra cleaning but the landfills will thank you!