Tips of the Month
Holiday Hazards for Pets
December is a wonderful time for humans as we celebrate various holidays during the month followed by New Years but it can be a dangerous time for our furry family members. We must keep a watchful eye on our pets during this time as routines are different, decorations and different food abound, and, in years past, friends and family visit.
Here are a few things to consider during the weeks ahead: 1. Pets are often curious about ornaments that hang down from the tree. Consider hanging wooden, metal, or resin ornaments on the lower branches. 2. Holiday plants are beautiful but can cause upset stomachs or even death. Always read about the plants before you put them in reach of your pets. 3. Tinsel and ribbons are very interesting to cats and they love to chew them. If the cats eat them, they can get a blockage in their intestines. Think twice before putting ribbons on your presents. 4. Christmas trees can be dangerous if cats try to climb them and they fall. Pine needles can also be “fun” for cats to eat but do not pass easily. Do not put any additives into your Christmas tree water. 5. Always watch to make sure that your pets do not chew lights and wires. 6. Alcohol can be poisonous to pets and can lead to coma and death. In this time where some have more alcohol in the house, be careful to monitor your drinks carefully. With a little extra diligence and observation, we can keep the holidays happy for both two legged and four legged family members.
From the City's Animal Welfare Committee
Holiday Tips for the Environment
• Lighting: Try using holiday lights with LED bulbs. They are brighter, consume 80 percent less energy than incandescent lights and tend to last 25 times longer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. • Wrap with Flair: Instead of traditional wrapping paper or gift bags, use fabric, old maps, fancy magazine pages, or calendar pictures. If you do use traditional wrapping paper and boxes, please remember to recycle all but metallic wrapping paper. • Think about giving those on your list experiences like concert tickets or local restaurant gift cards, or choose a symbolic gift that is meaningful and unique. Charitable gifts in honor of friends and loved ones is a great way to put your values – and theirs – in action and give back to the community. The College Park Food Bank and Meals-on-Wheels are both local organizations helping those in need right here in College Park. • Instead of store-bought décor, use pinecones, vines or branches from your garden to bring nature’s beauty inside. • Incorporate more plant-based foods into your meal traditions — it’s good for your health and good for lowering your carbon footprint. • Reduce food waste. Every year 30 to 50 percent is wasted, along with the water, energy and labor it takes to make it. Cutting back on food waste is one of the biggest ways you can reduce your personal carbon footprint.
From the City's Committee for a Better Environment