Cris B. signed up for Catolog Choice, a free web service, to eliminate the delivery of unwanted catalogs.

We Decide! Eliminate Unwanted / Unsolicited Catalogs

"I'm getting more, not less now that the holidays are fast approaching. I'm talking about catalogs, lots and lots of catalogs. Catalogs are mounting into stacks in baskets, spread out neatly on the coffee table, end tables, and stuffed into nooks and crannies here and there...my mailbox is so crammed with catalogs these days, it looks like I'm delivering an over-sized baby, as I tug and pull yet another bundle of unsolicited catalogs from my box.

Last week, I finally had it, and decided to do something about the problem that wasn't going away by itself . . . click here to read more"

Did you know?? Over eight million tons of trees are consumed each year in the production of paper catalogs.

Found a way to get rid of clutter? Write a review at SustainLane.

Buried in a mountain of paper around the holidays? Do you save everything possible down to the gift tags? Take our survey about gift wrap and paper recycling and you'll be entered to receive a SustainLane T-shirt. We'll share the results of the survey in next week's newsletter.

Close to 70 % of SustainLane Newsletter Readers who took last week's survey on Thanksgiving said they were going to cook an organic and local meal this holiday season. Half of readers surveyed feasted on a vegetarian or vegan meal, and sweet potatoes and stuffing were among some of the favorite dishes prepared.

Congratulations to Lisa G., who received a SustainLane T-shirt for taking the survey. For your chance to receive a SustainLane T- shirt, take this week's survey.

The holidays produce a lot of happiness and a lot of trash. Here are the latest headlines.

Christmas trees are eco-friendly--Recyclable, non-toxic, and from a renewable source, Christmas tree growers are trying to convince consumers to ditch the plastic and go natural this holiday season

Up to here in catalogs? There is a solution--online--Catalog Choice, a new online service, offers consumers the ability to opt out of catalog mailing lists.

Online Verus In Store Shopping, Which is Better?--The ecological conundrum of whether to stay in and go out when buying holiday gifts is considered.

Comments about these headlines? Email your thoughts to community@sustainlane.com.

Adam W. uses newspaper as the sustainable and recyclable alternative to decorative gift wrap.

Sustainable Wrapping Paper That's Easy to Find

"Wrapping paper has to be one of the worst environmental offenders in terms of waste - it's entire purpose is to be ripped off and thrown away. If we all wanted to be good stewards of the earth, we would stop wrapping presents and instead give them in bags that people can re-use the next time they have a present to give. That being said, there is something special about giving or receiving a gift shrouded in mystery (aka wrapping paper), that just isn't satisfied by hiding it in a bag. If you feel this way, try using newspaper . . . click here to read more"

Share your tips and tricks for cutting down on holiday clutter at SustainLane.

San Francisco Ocean Film Festival:
An event dedicated to enhancing public appreciation for the ocean and its multifaceted importance to the planet.
February 1 - 3
San Francisco, CA
oceanfilmfest.org

Better Living Show:
A consumer show highlighting eight core topics including: lifestyle, home/garden, transportation, food/beverage, clean tech, eco-adventure, recycling and conservation with food, speakers, and more.
March 28 - 30
Portland, OR
betterlivingshow.org

Natural Products Expo West:
The largest trade show about natural and organic products. Over 2,800 exhibitors showcase new products, and cutting-edge trends. Watch engaging speakers, and attend informative seminars amidst endless networking opportunities.
March 14 - 16
Anaheim, CA
expowest.com

Green Festival Seattle:
The largest green event in the country hits Seattle for the first time!
April 12 - 13
Seattle, WA
greenfestivals.org

All Things Organic:
An event focused exclusively on organic products--all products on display must be certified organic, made with certified organic ingredients or be approved for use in organic products.
April 27 - 29
Chicago, IL
organicexpo.com