Waste comes in many forms during the holiday season. Here are some tips from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on ways you and your family can help conserve resources this holiday season.
    - Use a cloth bag for groceries instead of paper or plastic bags
    - Wrap gifts in newspaper or reuse bags and wrapping paper.
    - Buy greeting cards made out of recycled paper.
    - Send electronic greeting cards instead of paper ones.
    - Buy rechargeable batteries or batteries with reduced mercury for electronic gifts and give a battery charger along with your gift.
    - Turn your decorative lights on for shorter periods of time to reduce energy use.
    - Recycle your live tree. Many local communities turn trees into mulch.
    - Purchase a potted tree and plant it in your yard after the holidays.
    - Create decorations and ornaments out of old greeting cards and cookie dough. Make garland out of strands of popcorn and cranberries.
    - Consider buying more durable products rather than the cheapest product.
    - Select products made out of recyclable materials.
    - Invest in a digital camera instead of a disposable one, so you do not have to use film and can print only the pictures you want.
    - Choose reusable utensils, tableware and napkins instead of disposable paper products.
    - Save shipping peanuts and bubble wrap to reuse.
    - Compost food scraps and yard waste.
    For more energy saving ideas, contact Diane at (912) 871-0504, dianem@uga.edu or www.ugaextension.com/bulloch.