Waste Management - Keeping New Mexico Clean

Waste Management Urges Consumers to Give Durable or Sustainable Gifts Rather than Traditional Items that End Up in the Trash

New Mexico, February 6, 2006 - While Valentine's Day is often associated with gifts of cut flowers, balloons, cards and boxes of sweets, Waste Management of New Mexico is asking local 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 Marlene Feuer, Government and Public Affairs Manager for Waste Management of New Mexico. "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 New Mexico suggests people consider 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, compost them in your yard or put them in your yard waste cart for recycling when they are ready to be disposed.)
Balloon Bouquets	Durable, long-lasting items (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) to remind your Valentine every day that you care.
Valentine's Cards	E-mail greetings, a photo with a message on the back, or verbal valentine wishes.
Boxes of Candy	Sweets with less packaging, homemade treats, dessert at a restaurant, or a gift card to your Valentine's favorite restaurant or coffeehouse.
Perfume / Lotions	A "day of beauty," a trip to the spa or a massage (If you do give perfume or lotion, check to see if the empty container 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, rather than being 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 Feuer "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 is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America.

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