Tips of the Month
Environmentally Friendly Holiday Tips
- Lighting: Don't forget holiday lights when upgrading to 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 calendars pictures. If you do use traditional wrapping paper and boxes, please remember to recycle all but metallic wrapping paper.
- Think about gifting an experience like concert tickets or local restaurant gift cards. Or better yet choose a Symbolic Gift for something meaningful and unique, give a gift that gives back to the community. Charitable gifts in honor of friends and loved one is a great way to put your values – and theirs – in action. The College Park Food Bank and Meals-on-Wheels are both local organizations helping those in need right here in College Park.
- DIY your decorations 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% - 50% of food produced gets 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
Crime Prevention Tips
On Wednesday, December 6, 2023 the Prince George’s County Police Department joined the City’s Public Safety meeting to discuss crime prevention for the holiday season. Be safe by following these tips for auto theft, home burglary, and more:
- If you purchase a high value item, break the box down into smaller pieces and place in the recycle bin.
- Be observant and alert of suspicious persons and vehicles.
- To prevent catalytic converter theft, paint the catalytic converter a bright color and etch your vehicle’s VIN number on it. This allows it to be traceable if criminals attempt to sell the part.
- Park vehicles with wheels sharply turned to prevent tire and rim theft. Turning the wheels makes it difficult to loosen the lug nuts and remove tires.
- If your home will be unoccupied, wait until after you return to share the memories of your trip online or on social media.
- If you are a victim of auto theft, immediately contact local law enforcement to provide your vehicle information and any identifying characteristics of the criminal.
From the Prince George's County Police Department