As the holidays approach, your business may be wondering how you can enjoy the season, while taking action to reduce waste and conserve resources.

We have compiled a few tips and resources that may be helpful to your business this season.

E-greetings

Send holiday e-greetings instead of printed greeting cards to clients and staff to reduce paper use and save money on postage.

• Design your business holiday e-greeting cards in-house and save money and resources.
• Send holiday e-greetings through your existing Outlook e-mail account, and personalize each using Microsoft's mail merge feature.
• Use Microsoft's online tutorial to learn how to create holiday newsletters and merge company mailing lists.
• Utilize an email marketing or graphic design firm to make customizable cards for your business, and have them worry about design, email list merges, spam checks, and receipt confirmation.
• If your business chooses to send printed holiday cards, look for ones made of post-consumer recycled content paper. Avoid cards with glossy, shiny or gold foil coatings that may not be recycled.

Waste Free Holidays

Encourage employees to participate in King County and Seattle Public Utilities sponsored Waste Free Holidays program.

Waste Free Holidays runs Nov. 15 - Dec. 31. Over 150 participating businesses and organizations offer discounts of 15 to 50 percent on music, plays, sporting events, museums, restaurant meals, massages, fitness and much more. King County Solid Waste Division and Seattle Public Utilities sponsor the King County program, now in its 13th year.

Reducing waste is especially important during the holiday season. Americans throw away 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than during any other time of the year. Waste Free Holidays rewards the public for reducing waste, and supports local businesses.

Not sure what to get a colleague? Check out the Waste Free Holidays Gift-o-Matic.

Green Holiday Gatherings

Host green company events and holiday parties that include:

• A recycling/composting program that is well communicated 
• Bulk dispensers or reusable containers for beverages, food and condiments
• Reusable plates, glasses, utensils, serving utensils, napkins and tablecloths
• Food sources from local growers or a policy to consider the growing practices of farmers who provide the food
• A policy to use compostable foodservice ware

Additional Resources

For holiday energy saving tips, please visit Seattle City Light's Holiday Lighting page.