Tania Richards: Have a 'Green' Holiday Season

The leaves are falling, along with the nighttime temperatures. Nature is changing around us, telling us the holidays are fast approaching.
And taking the season's cue, folks are getting that primal urge to start shopping! But before you grab your list and head out the door, check it twice to make sure Mother Nature's on it.
You can give a gift to the environment by following the three R's of resource conservation: reduce, reuse and recycle. With a little preparation and creativity, conservation will be second nature throughout the holiday season.

REDUCE
The fewer material objects we buy, the fewer natural resources we use to manufacture them. And that means we leave more for future generations.
Rather than buy resource-intensive gifts for your loved ones, like computers, diamond bracelets or mahogany furniture, you can give Earth-friendly experiences instead. A massage, horseback rides on the beach, dance or yoga lessons or a museum visit make great gifts because they create memories while reducing clutter. Besides, they'll never end up in a landfill.
For the person who has everything, consider making a donation to a favorite charity. And cash is always welcome, especially for young adults starting out on their own.

REUSE
Rather than get something new, it's best for the planet if you keep using what you've already got.
Take plastic bags for instance. They can be used over and over again, which means you'll use fewer bags in the long run. Bring plastic bags with you when you shop or purchase an inexpensive canvas bag that can also be used to carry books, groceries or dry cleaning.
If you get to a store and realize that you forgot to bring a bag, ask for a large bag that can be used for all your purchases.
Reuse boxes, bows and wrapping paper. Or, instead of buying wrapping paper, use brown paper bags that you've stenciled with seasonal designs. Glossy magazines, newspaper comics and scarves also make great wrapping materials.
Instead of serving your holiday guests using disposable dinnerware, use reusable dinnerware and flatware. If you use plastic, make sure its good quality so you can wash it and use it again. It's better to use washable napkins instead of paper, but if you have to use paper napkins, make sure it's recycled paper.

RECYCLE
Recycled products make great gifts. Fleece clothing made from recycled plastic bottles and handbags or wallets made from old tires are practical gifts that help support the growing market for recycled products.
When sending holiday greetings, use cards or stationery made from 100 percent post-consumer waste. And make sure you use last year's leftover cards, or swap them with a friend.
If you have holiday leftovers, give Food Runners a call at (415) 929-1866. They may be able to pick up uneaten yams, stuffing and Brussels sprouts and deliver them to a meal program to help those in need. Call in advance to schedule a pick-up for your perishables.
Non-perishable items can be donated to the SF Food Bank at (415) 929-1866.
Christmas Tree Recycling After Christmas you can put your tree out on the curb for pickup on your regular recycling day between Jan. 6 and Jan. 10, 2003. Set your Christmas tree on the curb before 6 a.m. with no decorations, bags or non-wooden stands. Your tree will be recycled into mulch, compost or turned into high-efficiency fuel for power plants. Please, no tinseled or flocked trees.
San Francisco residents can also take cleaned trees to any of the following free locations:
* From Dec. 26 through Jan. 19, 2003: Golden Gate Disposal and Recycling Company at 900 Seventh St. (at Berry) - (415) 626-4000; everyday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.;
* From Dec. 26 through Jan. 31, 2003: Sanitary Fill, Public Disposal Area at 501 Tunnel Ave. (3 Com Park exit) - (415) 330-1400; Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat. and Sun., 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.;
* Dec. 26 to Jan. 9, 2003: Haight Ashbury Neighborhood Council Recycling Center (H.A.N.C.) at 780 Frederick St., at Arguello - (415) 753-0932; everyday, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Businesses located in the downtown area should call Golden Gate Disposal and Recycling at (415) 626-4000 to arrange for pickup service.