Every day, the average American will throw away 4.6 pounds of trash. During the holiday season, this amount increases by 25%. To avoid increasing the waste in your trash container this year, implement these green gift-giving ideas.

How to Reduce Holiday Gift Waste

1. Look for Gifts With Minimal Packaging

To reduce how much plastic ends up in your trash container this holiday season, start by avoiding packaging as much as possible. For brand-new items, this might be impossible, but by buying pre-owned, you can avoid the plastic and still get items in practically perfect condition.

2. Gift an Experience

A gift doesn’t always have to be a material object. Many people appreciate experiences as well, like tickets to a concert, a gift certificate to a spa, or free dance lessons. As a bonus, no wrapping paper or plastic packaging ends up in your trash container. 

3. Use Your Own Shopping Bags

When you head out for holiday shopping, don’t forget to bring reusable bags. This will prevent the need for single-use plastic bags, which contribute to ocean pollution. 

4. Reuse All Boxes

You likely get several packages sent to your home each year, and many of your favorite foods and self-care items also come in boxes. Instead of throwing these containers out, save them to use as gift boxes.

5. Save Used Wrapping Paper, Boxes, & Gift Bags

For many households, it’s normal for all of the wrapping materials to be tossed in the garbage immediately after all of the gifts are opened. Cut down on this waste by recycling all salvageable items for next year. Even wrapping paper can be folded and reused if you ask everyone not to crumple it up. 

For the items that do end up in your recycling bin this holiday season, bring them to Honolulu Disposal Service. For over 50 years, they’ve provided trash disposal services to all of Oahu. They provide pickup services for recyclable materials and 65 and 95-gallon trash containers. Call them today at (808) 845-7581 to discuss your waste disposal needs, and visit their website to learn more about their different services.