ANN ARBOR—The holidays are a time when people are encouraged to care for others, but the earth is often a neglected partner in this season. “Between Thanksgiving and the New Year, an extra one million tons of waste is generated each week,” according to Bob Lilienfeld, who serves on the advisory board of the Corporate Environment Management Program at U-M.

While waste is difficult to avoid given the increased consumption of goods, there are many ways to lesson the environmental consequences of holiday celebrations, he says.

Shopping ? Shopping for presents can be the most stressful part of the season. Figuring out what to buy for the person who has everything, or doesn’t like anything, can actually be easier if you think environmentally.

? Consider an activity that the person you’re buying for does regularly, then think of a gift that could lessen that activity’s impact on the environment. A refillable Thermos bottle for coffee or a plastic container for juice, a back-yard recycling kit, linen napkins, or a mug for someone who buys cans of soda but could switch to two-liters.

? Instead of cashing in on the latest fad, look for gifts that are durable, re-usable or energy-efficient.

? A magazine subscription can be shared by everyone in the family and lasts all year.

? If a gift requires batteries, consider making rechargeable batteries and a charger part of the present.

? Perhaps the person who has everything would like something that he can use up. Prepare homemade gifts, cookies, bread or jams.

? Candles, a potted plant, or tickets to the theater or a concert are all gifts that do not create a lot of waste.

? You could make something by hand, teach yourself how to knit, sew a dress or a necklace, make a homemade flip-book or photo album.

? Shop with a friend to reduce wasteful driving and to make the experience more fun for the both of you. Take your own bags along or consolidate your purchases into one bag.

? Gifts of yourself and your time, as corny as it sounds, make the best presents.

Decorating ? Instead of buying a tree that will have to be thrown away after the season, buy a living tree that can be planted in your yard or at a local park.

? For tree decorations, use edible or compostable items like popcorn or cranberries on a string, gingerbread cookies or items “found” around the home.

? If you send holiday cards, buy recycled products, but without glitter or shiny paper.

? Make holiday postcards from last year’s holiday cards by cutting off the front flap, writing on the back. Keep this year’s cards for next holiday season.

? Floppy or compact discs from AOL or CompuServe can be made into a number of interesting crafts with glitter, paint, glue and imagination. Coasters, tree ornaments (angel, photo holder), potpourri holders, and gift tags are just a few ideas. For more, check out Nikki’s 1996 AOL Recycled Diskette Present Collection, at http://www.neosoft.com/nikki/

? Before you recycle that huge pile of gift catalogs, select those you do not want to receive next year and call the toll-free numbers and ask to be taken off the mailing lists.

Wrapping presents ? Use pages from magazines for smaller presents. For larger ones try newspapers, children’s artwork, old street maps or posters.

? Decorate brown paper sacks for a personal touch.

? Purchase and re-use holiday-themed gift bags.

? For especially large gifts, avoid wrapping altogether and have a series of clues lead to the present in a closet, car trunk or under a bed.

? When you buy wrapping paper, be certain to buy only recycled paper and try to save the large pieces for next year. Avoid purchasing glossy or shiny paper that has been bleached with chlorine and dyed with toxic chemicals.

? Instead of plastic bows, purchase recyclable cloth bows; use them next year to save money. –Skip the gift card and envelope routine; write a note on self-decorated paper or just sign the box.

? Call the Plastic Loosefill Products Council 1-800-828-2214 before throwing away extra packaging materials, they provide names of local businesses that recycle Styrofoam pieces and plastic bubble wrap.

University of Michigan