“Reducing waste is especially important during the holiday season. Americans throw away one million extra tons of waste each week between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Think about this: If every family in the U.S. used two feet less of gift wrap ribbon the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved would be enough to tie a bow around the whole planet.

This season is the perfect opportunity to teach children about what really matters. Ad agencies spend over $15 billion a year on advertising aimed at children, and parents can help wean their children away from material overload by setting an example. Plus, parents who are less stressed out and exhausted just might experience the real meaning of the holidays – a warm feeling inside that comes from doing something that makes a difference.

The following Thurston County businesses are participating in the 2008 Waste Free Holidays Program. Please contact them directly to purchase gifts or to find out more information. Discounted prices apply to purchases made from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, 2008.

The WasteFree Holidays program has started!

So visit www.wastefreeholidays.com and get some great ideas for your holiday shopping list this year,” quoting Thurston County Waste Free Holidays.