Holiday Trees and Party Planning

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Party Planning

Swedish Christmas

It only takes a little planning and creativity to plan a no-waste party.

  • Purchase your party supplies in bulk and buy only what you need. Buying the largest size you can use saves packaging.

  • Use reusable dishes, utensils, and cloth napkins and tablecloths. If you don't have enough, borrow or rent.

  • If you need paper products, buy the products with recycled paper content.

  • Turn the heat down before guests arrive. You'll save energy and your guests' body heat will warm up the room.

  • Send your guests home with leftovers or bring food you can't finish to work.

  • Decorate with plants, fabrics and other greeneries instead of plastic streamers, Mylar decorations, etc.

  • Use last year's holiday cards as place cards.

  • See no waste party for additional tips on how to reduce waste at your holiday gatherings.



Holiday Trees

If Christmas trees are a part of your holiday celebration, here are some important facts to consider when purchasing your tree.

  • Buy a live tree. This way you can replant your tree or donate it to be replanted, and allow it to continue living. For donation locations contact RecycleWorks at 1-888-442-2666.

  • Buy an artificial tree. Artificial trees can be purchased for prices that are comparable to real trees, and look amazingly like the real thing. An artificial tree can be used for several years, if stored properly.

  • Some Christmas tree recyclers do not accept flocked trees. Flocked trees cannot be made into compost due to their chemical content. Ox Mountain Landfill will accept flocked trees for other use. See tree recycling chart for further details.

  • Make your own Tree Ornaments. Jewelry can be taken apart for beads, which children could enjoy using as decorations on handmade ornaments. Your entire tree can be decorated with recycled items using soda cans, paper towel rolls, and CD's. Using paper to cut out snowflake designs would also be a great way of contributing to an eco-friendly holiday theme. Cut out images from cards for decorations. More ideas of easy crafts & tree decorations, including ones specifically for children.

  • Try alternatives to tinsel, such as strands of popcorn, macaroni or icicle lights. If you do choose tinsel, make sure that you remove all of it before recycling the tree. Tinsel cannot be recycled.

If you choose to buy a pre–cut tree, adhere to the guidelines above, and please, recycle it.

To find out where and how to recycle your tree in San Mateo County, please see our tree recycling information sheet.