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Press Release
SHARE YOUR LOVE — NOT EXTRA WASTE — THIS VALENTINE'S DAY
Waste Management Urges Consumers to Give Sustainable Gifts
Simi Valley, CA, February 6, 2008 – While Valentine’s Day is often associated with gifts of cut flowers, balloons, cards and boxes of sweets, Waste Management is asking Ventura County consumers to consider more durable or sustainable alternatives for their Feb. 14 gift-giving.
“The idea of the holiday is to share your sentiments with those you care about — not create additional waste that ends up in our landfills,” said Mike Smith, Market Area General Manager for Waste Management of Ventura County. “There are a number of gestures you can make to celebrate the holiday without generating additional items that have excess packaging or ultimately get thrown out.”
Waste Management of Ventura County suggests considering the following alternatives for the traditional Valentine’s Day gifts:
| INSTEAD OF |
GIVE |
| Cut flowers |
Potted plants, flowers or trees that can be transplanted into a garden (if you do give cut flowers, be sure to place them in your greenwaste cart for recycling once they are ready to be disposed |
| Balloon bouquets |
More durable, long-lasting items that will remind your Valentine every day that you care, like a framed photo or a piece of artwork for his or her home or a once-in-a-lifetime experience like a hot-air balloon ride |
| Valentine’s cards |
E-mail greetings, a photo with a message written on the back or share your holiday wishes verbally |
| Boxes of candy |
Sweets with less packaging, homemade treats, a dessert out at a restaurant or a gift card to your Valentine’s favorite restaurant or coffeehouse |
| Perfume/lotions |
A trip to the spa or a massage (if you do give perfume or lotions, check to see if the packaging, once empty, can be recycled) |
| Jewelry |
Get his or her existing jewelry repaired or cleaned or make it seem like new by changing stones, adding charms or putting on a new watch band (if you do give new jewelry, make sure it is durable and well-made so that it can be worn for a lifetime and will not be thrown away) |
| Stuffed animals |
Other items that are warm, cozy — and useful, such as a nice blanket, bedding or a robe |
“On any gift-giving occasion, we should plan to give gifts that aren’t disposable — whether it’s a durable, re-useable gift, a gift certificate or an activity like lessons, a concert, a membership or an experience with the gift-giver,” said Mike Smith. “Thinking creatively, you can not only give the perfect gift, but also make sure it’s having a minimal impact on the environment.”
Waste Management provides Ventura County with recycling, trash hauling and solid waste disposal through G.I. Industries and the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. Waste Management has owned and operated G.I. Industries since 1998 and the SVLRC site since 1983 and employs more than 230 people in Ventura County. The SVLRC provides approximately 60% of Ventura County's daily refuse disposal needs. The company operates a “green power” program at the site that generates enough power for 2,500 homes, and clean-burning LNG powers 38 of its trucks. Waste Management is a significant contributor to area community groups. For more information visit our website www.keepingventuracountyclean.com.
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