Americans throw away 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than any other time of year. That’s about 5 million extra tons of waste going into landfills during the holiday season.

Making the season greener can be as simple as making one change a day — let’s say for 12 days.

Day 1: Overloaded with holiday gift catalogs? Get rid of that paper by taking your name off the mailing list of catalogs and other mail you no longer want.

Day 2: Donate gently used toys your children no longer used to local charitable organizations.

Day 3: Opt to send holiday e-cards instead of paper holiday cards. It will save on waste and on postage.

Day 4: Swap your old holiday lights for LED lights. Some stores will give you a rebate or discount on LED lights if you bring in old strands for recycling.

Day 5: Having a holiday bash? Give leftovers to guests in reusable containers as they leave so nothing goes to waste.

Day 6: Set out a clearly marked recycling bin for holiday party guests to recycle empty bottles and cans.

Day 7: Decorate for the holidays using materials you already have around the house. Decorations like ornaments, garland and wreaths can be made with many different materials.

Day 8: While shopping for holiday gifts, consider purchasing items that use less packaging.

Day 9: Reusable bags are not just for trips to the grocery store. Use them on your next holiday shopping trip.

Day 10: Use butcher paper that your kids have decorated or the Sunday comics as wrapping paper this year. Tissue paper and most gift wrap can’t be recycled.

Day 11: If you or someone you know is getting a new electronic gadget this year — think TVs and computers — be sure to recycle the old or unwanted one.

Day 12: Take stock in all of the green changes you made and enjoy the fact you have reduced your footprint this holiday season.

Check out www.fibrexgroup.com for the best selection of recycling containers, sustainable site furnishings and recycled plastic lumber playground equipment.

Reduce. Rejoice. Recycle.

Originally written by Mark Walter for Press-Gazette Media

Christian Bucks, a second-grader in York, Pa., knew that some kids on the playground didn’t have many friends, so he decided to create a brightly colored “Buddy Bench” where kids can sit when they feel lonely or sad.

Christian first spotted the idea for a buddy bench in a brochure for a school in Germany. He thought it was a good idea and immediately talked to his principal about getting one for their school. The principal, who described Christian as a child who loves making friends and making sure others have friends, was immediately on board.

“We show we care about others when we ask others to play,” Christian said. “I also hope that new friendships will be made because of the buddy bench.”

While he may not know this, Christian’s ‘Buddy Bench’ is actually a bench made from recycled plastic lumber. Fibrex Group’s Envirodesign Deluxe bench is a budget-friendly, sustainable option for your school or park playground. Our site furnishings require no maintenance and will not rot, crack or split. Fibrex Group’s Envirodesign recycled plastic lumber benches & picnic tables are a ‘buddy’ to your wallet and the environment.

Work. Play. Recycle.

Thanks to CalRecycle, we would like to pass on some sustainable tips for cutting the amount of trash generated this holiday season and simple steps to recycle your holiday waste & conserve our natural resources.

For example, an estimated 2.6 billion holiday cards are sold each year in the United States, enough to fill a football field 10 stories high. Electronic holiday greeting cards, offered through a variety of websites, are a convenient, no-cost, waste-free alternative.

It’s estimated that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, more than 1 million tons of additional waste is generated each week nationwide. In fact, 38,000 miles of ribbon alone is thrown out each year--enough to tie a bow around the Earth.

When shopping for family & friends, look for recycled-content products. Be sure to stock up on rechargeable batteries for all of those gadgets & electronics as well. And always take your reusable shopping bag with you when heading out to your local retailer. Malls & big box stores are great, but we prefer to support our local small businesses during the holiday season.

Recycle that Christmas tree once the big day has passed. Contact your city or county’s recycling coordinator to find our where to recycle your tree. If you live in a beach community, ask them about recycling your tree as part of a dune renewal project.

As always, check out the Fibrex Group website for all of your recycling needs year round. We are the best source for recycling containers, waste receptacles, recycled plastic site furnishings and sustainable playgrounds. All of our products are designed & manufactured in the USA! Reduce. Rejoice. Recycle.