The way to save

Some folks might call you a cheapskate. Still, there may be good reason to scrap the holiday gift-wrapping paper and cut back on Christmas cards.

According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency and Partners for Environmental Progress' Use Less Stuff Report, Americans throw away 25 percent more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than any other time of the year. Americans mail more than 2.3 billion cards during the holidays. Enough ribbon is thrown out each year to tie a bow around planet Earth. And more than 72 million tons of packaging is discarded annually.

If every American wrapped three gifts in reused paper, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields, according to the report.

So here's what Seattle Public Utilities suggests for the holiday season:

• Take a reusable cloth bag to carry your purchases when you go shopping for gifts.

• Wrap gifts in recycled or reused wrapping paper, like the comics. Reuse or recycle used wrapping paper.

• Send recycled-content holiday greeting cards, and recycle the paper cards you receive. Sending online greeting cards is a great way to reduce paper waste, SPU spokesman Brett Stav said.

• Battery sales are at their peak during the holiday season. Buy rechargeable batteries. Consider giving a battery charger as a gift.

• Reuse foam packaging materials. Some area mailing centers accept recyclable packing peanuts for reuse. A list is at www.resourceventure.org/database.htm, under "office materials."

Preschool sign-ups

Seattle Step Ahead Preschools, a city-sponsored early-learning program, is still signing up 4-year-olds from low- to moderate-income families in Southeast and Southwest Seattle for its free preschool program.

The program is funded by a Families and Education Levy that Seattle voters approved last fall. The levy funds after-school programs, school-based health centers, support for students at risk of dropping out of school, family-involvement initiatives and preschools.

Space is still available in the six Step Ahead preschools that opened last month. Three more schools will open in January. In all, free early-childhood education will be offered for nearly 300 youngsters.

There are eligibility requirements. The program serves low-income families whose income is too high for federally funded Head Start and state-funded Early Childhood Education Assistance programs.

For information about the program, call 206-386-1050.

Getting around

The auto club AAA Washington/Inland reports that while gas prices locally have been gradually dropping at the pump over the past few weeks, prices remain higher than during last year's Thanksgiving week.

Nationally, AAA projects that slightly more people will travel 50 miles or more from home this week than last year, and highway and air travel will be up.

With crowded airports, travelers should give themselves at least two hours for check-in and security, especially Wednesday and Sunday — the two busiest days of the year at airports.

This state's metro-area gas prices are online at www.fuelgaugereport.com.

Here & Now is compiled by Seattle Times staff reporter Charles E. Brown and news assistant Suesan Whitney Henderson.

To submit an item, e-mail herenow@ seattletimes.com or call 206-464-2226.