The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is urging you to reduce, reuse and recycle this Christmas season.

Department spokeswoman Jean Kelly tells KEEL News Louisiana, like the rest of the nation, produces more garbage in December than any other month. A little planning ahead of time can reduce the amount of trash that goes into landfills.

"When you're wrapping your gifts -- and, by the way, don't ever burn wrapping paper in your fireplace -- think about recycling and maybe use flyers, bandanas, fabric of some kind, something that somebody can reuse," Kelly said. "It makes a very creative and festive package and it's an extra gift."

Kelly said old Christmas cards can turn into a great project with the kids -- you can make ornaments out of them for next year. You can also recycle the foam peanuts that come in packages you get in the mail by visiting the website www.loosefillingpacking.com.

"And if you have electronics, almost every place in the state has someplace that you can take your electronics to recycle them," she said. "There is metal in them and things that can be used, and some places can refurbish them, give them to schools or non-profit organizations. So don't throw away the old monitor or the old computer. It does have a use."

Think about recycling when you're picking out your Christmas tree, too. Some places in the state have a pick-up program where the trees are sent to help protect the Gulf coast. We don't have one here anymore, but Eco Mulch & Sod will typically take your trees and grind them into mulch, which you can purchase and use around your yard or garden. You might also consider buying a fake tree you can use from year to year.

Did you know you can recycle batteries, too? Kelly recommends you buy rechargeable batteries, which cost a little more, but are well worth it, especially if your child has a lot of electronic toys. Find more local battery recycling information at www.rbc.org.

"Just a little pre-planning and thought about what you're doing when you're buying for Christmas will really cut down on the excess trash that we end up in the landfills that somebody can use for some other good purpose," Kelly said.

Find more recycling tips on the DEQ website.

 

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