Give Smart Sacramento promotes waste free experiences in place of traditional holiday gifts

What was your favorite holiday gift of the past? Was it a sweater from J.Crew three years ago? Or maybe it was the CD-Man you got in ’95? I’m guessing it was something that hasn’t gone out of style or become obsolete. My favorite gift in recent memory was a family membership to Fairytale Town. I will always remember the time spent with my children and my family at Fairytale Town, because the memory will never go out of style, be shoved in the back of the closet or go in the "Goodwill" pile.

This year, the City of Sacramento Department of Utilities is challenging you to replace at least one out of every five gifts you plan to give with an experience gift. Using CalRecycle funds, the City has launched Give Smart Sacramento, a program focused on reducing the amount of waste collected this November and December. Our goal is to collect 200 tons less solid waste and 325 tons more recyclables during the holidays.

Local organizations have joined Give Smart by offering discounts towards gifts that don’t produce waste. Promotions include annual passes to California State Railroad Museum, Fairytale Town and Funderland, tickets to “A Christmas Carol”, tickets to Sacramento Kings and more! Sacramento has so many wonderful activities for families to enjoy together. This is the perfect time of year to take advantage of these experiences and support local businesses.

In addition to giving waste free gifts, we can also reduce solid waste by reusing ribbons, bows, and gift bags year after year. Most wrapping paper and packaging material is also recyclable, as are bottles and cans generated at holiday festivities. Styrafoam and packing peanuts are not recyclable.

Visit GiveSmartSacramento.org for a complete list of partners and recycling tips.