Submitted by the Environmental Advisory Council
As enjoyable as the holiday season is, it’s also a time when waste soars to alarming levels. Household waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day in the United States alone—that’s about 5 million tons of garbage produced. (Architectural Digest, 10/23)
However, breakneck buying and excess waste that happens over the holidays is hurting the planet. It is part of an unsustainable consumer culture that is feeding a triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste.
Ultimately, by integrating sustainability into holiday practices, you help foster a healthier, more equitable world for everyone.
12 tips that will contribute to a healthier planet while enjoying the season:
- Eco-Friendly Wrapping: Use reusable gift wrap like fabric or old newspapers or get creative with materials you already have around the house. Gardening pots are easy to fill with gardening supplies. A mixing bowl or stockpot makes an excellent package for your favorite cook. (Then save clothing boxes, ribbons, bows and wrapping paper to reuse next year.)
- Sustainable Decorations: Decorate with natural elements like pinecones, dried fruits, or potted plants that can be reused or composted after the season.
- Conscious Consumption: Plan meals carefully to minimize food waste. Use leftovers creatively and compost scraps when possible.
- Support Local: Shop at local markets or small businesses to reduce transportation emissions and support your community.
- Digital Cards: Consider sending e-cards instead of paper cards, or choose cards made from recycled materials.
- Travel Smart: If traveling, consider carpooling, using public transport, or offsetting your carbon footprint through reputable programs.
- Look into alternative Christmas trees – rent or turn your houseplant into a tree! (Cut trees are a greener choice than artificial trees.)
- Switch to LED lights, which use up to 80% less energy. Use Energy Star qualified LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights. They are 90 percent more efficient than traditional lights and LED lights last longer.
- Experiences over things: Consider gift options such as a spa day, cooking class, or weekend getaway. Also great are gift certificates to local museums, concerts, restaurants, theaters, etc.
- Online shopping hacks: Today, most people shop online. To reduce waste, bundle your online purchases and look for retailers that use minimal packaging or eco-friendly packing materials.
- Reusable tableware: Opt for reusable dinnerware and cloth napkins instead of disposable options to reduce the pile-up of plastic and paper products. Then, store leftovers in reusable glass containers rather than single-use plastic ones to keep them fresh and curb additional waste.
- Look for gifts that don’t require batteries. If you must buy a product that needs batteries, buy rechargeable batteries and give them with the gift.
Embrace the spirit of the season while being kind to the planet!