Monthly Archives: December 2010

Every year, Christmas goes by too fast. We spend weeks preparing, decorating and cooking and in one joyous day it’s all over and we are left with the skeletons of gifts given, a slightly dimmer gleam from lights and decorations and a dishwasher full of our special purpose flatware. While it’s a major bummer to “undeck” the halls, we still have to make conscious decisions about what to do with the ultimate in Christmas symbols: the Christmas tree.

First of all, do your research. Leaving your tree on the curb does not mean that it will be recycled or composted. Earth 911 has put together the most comprehensive list to date of recycling centers and services to date. Keep in mind that even though Christmas trees are entirely biodegradable, we still need to help them along by turning them into mulch or donating them to other eco-conscious causes.

Some states have made huge progress in environmental projects using donated Christmas trees. For example, Cook County, Illinois has used them to create habitats for herons and egrets that have been pushed out of their homes by development and construction. Keene, New Hampshire sunk Christmas trees in their natural lakes and ponds to create hiding and feeding structures for fish, ultimately increasing the fish population and the spoils of fishing. Clarksville, Tennessee uses Christmas tree mulch as a natural cover for trails in its state park. And last, the Packaging Corporation of Tomahawk, Wisconsin uses the trees as boiler fuel to power its mill.

While having your tree picked up, dropping it at recycling center or donating it to a local cause are wonderful options for disposing of your tree, there are also some do-it-yourself options that may be more appropriate. Stay in the Christmas decorating spirit and adorn it with homemade popcorn garland, peanut butter filled pinecones and orange slices and place it in your backyard to create your own bird sanctuary. You can always mulch the tree yourself and reuse it in your garden to give life to other vegetation.

Whatever you decide to do with your Christmas tree, be sure to do your research to determine the best environmentally friendly option for you. The tree doesn’t have to stop bringing joy just because Christmas is over.

To all our friends, followers and loyal customers,
All of us at Forever Bamboo would like to wish you a very merry holiday weekend. We wish nothing but the best for you this holiday season and hope that your holidays are filled with delicious food, wonderful people and memories that will last a lifetime. Stay safe this weekend, whether you’re travelling or staying close to home and remember to take the time to appreciate all the blessings and special people in your life.

As always, at Forever Bamboo we encourage you to keep the environment in mind in all that you do. Whether it’s purchasing eco-friendly gifts or recycling your ribbons this year, doing something for the planet will not only help preserve natural resources, but will also give you that warm, fuzzy feeling we all crave during the holidays.
Happy Holidays and thanks for reading!

Cheers!
The Forever Bamboo Team

Christmas and the holiday season are typically characterized by a couple of weeks of rushing, wrapping and running around. We have less money in our wallets than any other time of year but we also consume more…of everything. From paper, to energy, to food, we use significantly more of just about everything between Thanksgiving and New Years. That can take a toll on our planet over time, so here are 5 easy ways to conserve a little bit of that energy this holiday season.

1. Take a page from Grandma: Save bows, ribbons and even paper from presents this year. According to The Recycler’s Handbook, half of the paper used annually in America is for wrapping or decorating gifts…and most of it ends up in a landfill. Additionally, if every family reused 2 feet of ribbon each year, there would be enough left over to tie a ribbon around the planet: that’s 38,000 miles of holiday bows!!!

2. Buy local: Not only will this help boost your local economy, but it will also reduce the harmful effects of international shipping. Most international goods are shipped by boat, emitting up to 30% of the world’s carbon. Additionally, products shipped overseas typically require more packaging than products produced locally.

3. Be a creative wrapper: The Sunday comics section makes great wrapping paper, as does old greeting cards (just make sure they aren’t from the giftee) and old scraps of construction paper. This is an easy way to do your own recycling; you can even recycle twice if you throw the “gift” paper into the recycling.

4. Send an e-card: The sentiment is the same, you’re just not using any paper. Thus, cutting down on waste both through the production process and through the final product. Besides, no one knows what to do with cards after the season is over anyway; cards look better in your e-mail archives than in the trash or stuck in a drawer.

5. Switch to LED Christmas Lights: They not only conserve energy by consuming less, they will reduce your energy bill too. Who can’t use a little extra savings during the spend-crazy holiday season? Do something good for the planet and your wallet.

If you’re the over-achieving type, there are plenty more environment-preserving ways to green your Christmas. These are just a few easy ways to start. Remember, every little bit helps and if you get into the habit of changing a bit at a time, it will add up in the long run. Happy Holidays!

These days, it seems like everything can be made from bamboo. From fencing and masks, to bikes and computer accessories, to clothes and shoes, just about anything can be made using mature bamboo stalks, bamboo fiber or bamboo leaves. Recently, Dell Incorporated has increased the already lengthy list of bamboo uses with its creation of bamboo packaging.

Dell’s Inspiron models and their Streak tablet are now packaged and shipped in environmentally responsible, custom designed bamboo shells that fit neatly into an outer box made of 25% recycled materials. Currently, the bamboo casings are constructed specifically for these two Dell products but Dell hopes to expand the use of bamboo across its product line as well as initiate an industry-wide trend.

While bamboo is the basis of enumerable environmentally responsible products, it also decomposes into a completely reusable fertilizer. This bamboo packaging can be effortlessly composted at home simply by throwing it into an existing compost pile. The cases will decompose with the rest of your organic home waste while all you have to do is wait for the bottom of the pile to turn into a valuable (and free!) soil rejuvenator.

Whether or not you are a Dell consumer, their packaging methods and environmental conviction are certainly up-and-coming trends to keep your eyes on. And remember, when it comes to protecting our planets, every little bit helps.