How you can go green for the holidays

Whether you're looking for a dog blanket made from reclaimed sweaters or a green gift for the humans on your list, the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County has suggestions.

The 2010 version of the annual holiday guide book also offers green ways to entertain and decorate during the holidays, as well as resources and other information involving the agency's “reduce, reuse, recycle & recover” philosophy.

“I've done this for the last couple of years but not to this extent,” said Merleanne Rampale, public information officer and education director for the agency.

Rampale, who has been trying to take the green route for 20 years, had compiled quite a resource list of everything from natural cleaning products you can whip up yourself to organic and eco-friendly gifts and pet supplies.

Looking for bracelets made from recycled guitar strings? Or decorations made from recycled soda cans? Or a used bike? Or, a wallet made from recycled tires? Those and other suggestions on how to make the holidays greener are available at www.swalco.org

“I thought it would be a fun way to share,” she said.

According to SWALCO, Americans toss more than 5 million extra tons of garbage between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

Rampale said the guide represents a way to educate the community and share information and ideas to pare that amount and find alternatives.

The guide also contains information on a variety of SWALCO programs, including electronics recycling. And for the first time, the agency will collect and recycle any broken or unwanted incandescent or LED holiday lights and extension cords at its office, 1311 N. Estes St., Gurnee.

“We're trying to grow that a little bit,” said Pete Adrian, recycling coordinator for SWALCO.

Lights also are accepted at drop off centers in Highland Park, Wauconda, Cuba and Grant townships and other locations, as well as at periodic electronic collections events. Check the SWALCO website for locations and times.

“There are a variety of opportunities to drop off your electronics and holiday lights throughout Lake County,” Adrian said.

The next electronics collection event is Thursday, Dec. 16 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Round Lake Beach public works facility, 911 Lotus Drive.