Enjoy a blast from the past and learn how to reduce waste this holiday season as the King County Green Holidays Flashback exhibit comes to Redmond on Saturday, Dec. 5.

At the Redmond Lights kick-off celebration, the county will set up two “holiday living rooms” — one from 1979 and one from 2009 — in front of Redmond City Hall, 15670 NE 85th St. The contrasts will show how far we’ve come, in the past 30 years, in terms of how we decorate or entertain during this festive season.

For instance, in 1979, you’d see a cut Christmas tree with tinsel, fake snow and incandescent lights. In 2009, a potted, live Christmas tree with LED lights, natural decorations and ornaments from a thrift store is considered chic.

Also, a 1979 holiday menu would typically include canned and frozen goods, white bread and canned ham. And after the big dinner, your trash can would be overflowing with packaging and food scraps.

In 2009, you’re more likely to prepare fresh, seasonal foods from local farmers’ markets and use a food-scrap recycling container.

The purpose of the exhibit isn’t to chastise the “old school” holiday traditions, explained Tom Watson, spokesperson for the King County EcoConsumer program. “It’s just a fun or different way to remind people of things they can do to cut waste. It’s not a judgmental thing. Thirty years ago, recycling wasn’t available.”

Meanwhile, some products manufactured in 1979 were much more durable than what you’d find today, which brings up another aspect of “green living.”

Watson noted, “Back then, you could buy a radio or toaster that would last 20 years.”

Signage in the county’s Green Holidays Flashback exhibit will point out such facts and there’s also a Web site to help educate consumers about simple ways to cut down on waste. Visit www.KCgreenholidays.com.

Here are 12 tips from King County to help you save money, energy and the environment during the holidays:

1. Use eco-friendly lights. LED light strands use 90 percent less energy than traditional lights. And the old ones can be recycled.

2. Recycle your food scraps. They now can go into your yard waste card and will get turned into nutrient-rich compost.

3. Go green with gift cards. Recipients will use them to get what they really want (instead of the dreaded fruitcake or Chia Pet) and you don’t have to wrap them.

4. Shop locally. You’ll save gas money, cut down on emissions and support your own community.

5. Give experiences instead of gifts, such as tickets to a concert or a sporting event.

6. Drive less. Shop for gifts online when possible; many companies offer free shipping. That saves you time and money and there’ll be one less car on the road. Or use public transportation to get to the mall.

7. Green up your greetings. Send e-cards instead of paper or buy cards made from recycled paper. Save the cards you receive to turn them into decorations for next year.

8. Keep the tree green. The Christmas tree is a centuries-old tradition, but you can put a modern spin on it by participating in a tree recycling program (Scout troops often do pick-ups) or use a potted tree that you keep in your garden and bring in year after year.

9. Re-think your treats. Holiday cookies and candies are a tradition, too, but research shows that people tend to buy too many and about 20 percent of this food gets thrown away. Find out which bon-bons your family and friends truly love. Skip the rest.

10. Get thrifty. These days, there’s no stigma in shopping at thrift or consignment stores. You’ll find distinctive items and get more for your money.

11. Wrap with creativity. Instead of buying expensive wrapping paper, recycle old posters, the Sunday comics or use a kitchen towel that will be reused.

12. Go natural. Avoid plastic tinsel and other decorations that can’t be recycled. Deck the halls with holly and pine cones or make a centerpiece out of colorful fruits and vegetables.