Sustainable living › Step up your green game › Sustainable holidays › Waste-wise holidays
Learn how you can reduce waste and help the planet by making more sustainable choices about gift giving and entertaining this holiday season.
Buying and tossing disposable wrapping paper and packaging can contribute to holiday waste. Decrease your impact with these simple steps. Think about packaging before you buy. Purchase gifts with little to no packaging or packaging that’s recyclable.
Learn more about recycled-content paper choices
Discover the Japanese-inspired practice of cloth gift-wrapping
For many, the holiday season is a time for hosting gatherings with family and guests. Food plays a major role in these festivities. Food and how it is produced, packaged, shipped and disposed of accounts for more than 13 percent of human-caused carbon emissions in the United States. Make more sustainable food purchases.
Whether you're headed downtown for a holiday tuba concert or going to a friend’s holiday party, consider leaving your car at home. Have fun, get fit and help the planet by walking, biking or taking public transportation.
Learn more about biking safety
Learn about fun walking routes in your area
TriMet offers bus and light rail service to most corners of the region and is a fun, affordable and easy alternative to driving. Bring a good book to read, sit back and let mass transit chauffeur you to your destination. Use TriMet's online trip planner to map your trip. Go
If transit isn't a feasible option, consider carpooling with a friend or neighbor. In addition to saving gas and carbon emissions, you'll get to extend the party by spending more time with friends!
Recycle your tree or wreath with your curbside yard debris, or use a drop site or pickup service operated by a community group or business near you. Learn more
For information on other recyclers accepting holiday lights, call Metro Recycling Information at 503-234-3000.
When the holidays are over, reuse or recycle what's left. Save bows, containers, packing peanuts and wrapping paper for reuse next year. Make this year's holiday cards into gift tags for next year. Recycle paper, boxes, cards and peanuts that you can't reuse, as well as holiday catalogs and magazines.
Want to get rid of any electronics, toys, household furnishings, clothing or accessories? If they’re still in good working condition, consider donating them to charitable organizations.
View a list of organizations that accept used items
When it comes to recycling at home, the residents of the region are national leaders. Find out how you can help to make a difference.
Do you manage apartments or condos? Discover the property manager's guide to a successful multifamily recycling program.
Fork It Over! is Metro's food donation program to reduce hunger and waste in the Portland metropolitan area. Join the many area businesses that have committed to reducing waste and fighting hunger.
Find bike safety information, videos and resources in English and en español. Learn where to purchase the Bike There! map, and view the interactive version of the map.
Find walking resources, maps and safety information in English and en español. Download the free iPhone Walk There! app and learn about the printed guidebook.
(http://www.portlandclimateaction.org)
(http://www.drivelesssavemore.com)
(http://www.conservatree.com/public/holiday.html)
(http://www.trimet.org/tripplanner)
(http://www.climatecounts.org/)
Don't trash it, recycle it! Old Bike There! maps make great gift wrap or backdrops for scrap booking. You could even make it into an origami ornament or a bookmark. Just want it off your hands? Bring it to the Metro store at 600 NE Grand Avenue.
