02 Dec December’s Action: Reduce, Reuse, Rejoice – Sustainable Holiday Tips
The holiday season is a time for joy, togetherness, and generosity. But it’s also a time when waste and energy consumption peak, leaving a significant environmental impact. Between extra travel, excess packaging, and increased electricity use, our celebrations often come at the planet’s expense.
What Is Sustainability? 🌱
Sustainability is about living in harmony with the planet—meeting today’s needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It’s not just a set of rules; it’s a mindset that encourages thoughtful decisions about how we use resources and interact with the environment.
This concept applies to all areas of life, from how we commute to how we celebrate. Small choices, such as reducing single-use plastics, shopping locally, and conserving energy, add up to significant positive impacts. During the holidays, this mindset can guide us toward traditions that are not only joyful but also kind to the Earth.
The Holiday Footprint
The holiday season often comes with a hefty environmental cost. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), household waste increases by 25% during this time, and millions of pounds of food, wrapping paper, and decorations end up in landfills.
Energy use also spikes, thanks to decorative lighting displays and increased electricity consumption. These habits, though festive, contribute to higher carbon emissions. By making more sustainable choices, we can reduce this footprint and help ensure the planet thrives long after the holidays are over.
This year, why not make the holidays a time to honor not just your loved ones but also the earth? By adopting sustainable practices, we can celebrate in ways that spread joy while preserving Planet Home for generations to come.
Making Holiday Traditions More Meaningful, Mindful, and Eco-Friendly
1. Give the Gift of Experiences 🎁
Instead of physical gifts that might end up collecting dust, consider gifting experiences. Perhaps tickets to a local theater show, a cooking class, or even a handmade coupon for a shared adventure like hiking or a picnic.
Experiences create lasting memories and foster stronger connections. Plus, they often come with minimal environmental impact—no wrapping paper, packaging, or shipping emissions. Research also shows that people cherish experiences more than material goods Experiential Gifts
For an added touch, present the experience in a thoughtful way. For example, you can write a heartfelt note or create a digital invite. This way, the recipient gets the excitement of “unwrapping” the gift while keeping it sustainable.
2. Holiday Celebrations: Choose Local and Sustainable Ingredients 🥕
Food is at the heart of most holiday traditions, but it’s also a significant source of waste and emissions. To make your holiday meals more sustainable:
- Shop Local: Support nearby farmers by buying fresh, seasonal produce at farmers’ markets. This reduces the carbon footprint of transporting food long distances.
- Plan Portions: Use tools like portion calculators to minimize food waste, and make the most of leftovers with creative recipes.
- Go Plant-Based: Even swapping out one or two meat dishes for plant-based options can significantly reduce your meal’s environmental impact. For example, lentil loaf or roasted vegetable dishes are festive and sustainable.
- See EcoHomes November’s Action for more in depth information on how to reduce food waste.
3. Decorate Responsibly ✨
Consider these eco-friendly options to spread holiday cheer with your decorations this year:
- LED Lights: These use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs and last much longer (U.S. Department of Energy).
- Natural Ornaments: DIY ornaments using dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks, or pinecones are biodegradable, cost-effective, and charming.
- Reusable Decorations: Invest in timeless decorations that can be reused year after year. Garlands made from fabric or wood add a cozy, rustic vibe while reducing waste.
4. Wrap Gifts Sustainably 🎀
The U.S. generates an estimated 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper during the holidays, much of which ends up in landfills. This year, skip the disposable paper and try these alternatives:
- Fabric Wrapping: Use scarves, cloth napkins, or fabric scraps for a reusable and stylish touch.
- Recycled Materials: Old maps, newspapers, or paper bags can make creative and eco-friendly wrapping.
- Reusable Gift Bags: These can become part of the gift, encouraging recipients to pay the sustainability forward.
5. Choose Ethical, Local Gifts 🛍️
- Support small businesses and artisans by purchasing locally made or sustainably produced items.
- Handmade gifts, like beeswax candles or knitted scarves, carry a personal touch while reducing the environmental impact of mass production and shipping.
- Eco-friendly options, such as reusable water bottles, bamboo utensils, or plant-based skincare products, make thoughtful and responsible presents.
- Shopping locally also strengthens your community’s economy while reducing emissions tied to long-distance shipping (EPA)
6. Send Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards 📬
Holiday cards are a timeless way to connect with loved ones, but they can also generate waste. Instead of traditional paper cards, consider these alternatives:
- E-Cards: Digital holiday cards save paper and postage while allowing for fun animations and personalized messages.
- Plantable Cards: These cards are embedded with seeds and can be planted to grow flowers or herbs after the holidays.
- DIY Cards: Reuse old materials like fabric scraps, magazines, or last year’s cards
7. Host a Swap Party 🎉
Before the holidays, organize a swap party with friends or family. This is a great way to exchange gently used items like clothing, books, or toys. Everyone gets something “new to them,” and nothing ends up in the trash.
8. Go for a Living Christmas Tree 🎄
If you celebrate with a Christmas tree, consider a more sustainable option:
- Living Trees: Purchase a potted tree that can be replanted after the holidays.
- Purchase locally-grown trees
- Artificial Trees: If you already own an artificial tree, reuse it for as many years as you can
- Use other plants or props to make your own tree
10. Practice Energy Conservation 💡
Holiday lights are magical, but they can also drive up energy consumption. To enjoy the sparkle while being mindful of the planet:
- Set Timers: Use timers to ensure lights are only on during peak hours and turned off overnight.
- Solar-Powered Lights: For outdoor displays, solar-powered lights are an energy-efficient option that doesn’t rely on electricity.
- Minimize Displays: Choose smaller, focused displays instead of elaborate setups. A little light can go a long way in creating festive cheer.
Why It Matters
Celebrating sustainably isn’t just good for the environment—it’s an expression of love and care. By aligning your holiday traditions with eco-friendly values, you’re creating a ripple effect of awareness and inspiration. You’re also teaching the next generation that joy doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense.
Small changes, like the ones outlined here, add up to meaningful impacts. This year, let’s reduce, reuse, and rejoice—because a sustainable holiday is a truly happy holiday.