The holiday season is a time of celebration, joy, and giving, but it can also lead to increased waste and environmental impact. From excess packaging to unused gifts, the waste generated during this time can be significant. However, with some thoughtful planning and mindful choices, we can all reduce our waste and create a more sustainable holiday season. Here are several practical tips to help you cut back on waste this holiday season.
1. Choose Eco-Friendly Gifts
Instead of purchasing new items that may contribute to waste, consider giving eco-friendly gifts. Opt for products made from sustainable materials, or support local artisans and businesses. You can also choose experiences, such as movie tickets or a cooking class, which create memories without adding to physical clutter.
2. DIY Gifts
Get creative and make your own gifts! Homemade jams, baked goods, or crafts can be more personal and meaningful than store-bought items. A great gift is to bake sugar cookies for that overworked teacher or friend. Include some icing and sprinkles so they can do the fun decoration part with their children and family. A great gift to give a few days before Christmas.
3. Plan Meals Wisely
Holiday meals often lead to a significant amount of food waste. To minimize this, plan your meals carefully. Create a menu and shopping list to avoid overbuying. Consider hosting potluck-style gatherings where guests can contribute dishes, reducing the cooking burden and ensuring a variety of food. Hosting? Have guests bring containers to take some leftovers home with them.
4. Digital Greetings
With this year’s postal strike, we may not have the option to mail traditional Christmas Cards. Instead of sending paper holiday cards, consider sending digital greetings. E-cards are a great way to save paper and reduce waste while still sharing your holiday cheer. You can get creative and add in photos etc or keep the greeting simple. It’s all about staying connected with our loved ones.
5. Reduce Single-Use Items
The holiday season often sees an increase in single-use items, such as disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. To combat this, opt for reusable alternatives. Invest in durable dishware for gatherings (which you probably already own), or use cloth napkins instead of paper. If hosting a large event, consider borrowing extra dishes from friends or family rather than purchasing new ones.
6. Be Mindful of Decorations
Holiday decorations can also contribute to waste, particularly if they are not reused each year. Instead of buying new decorations, consider making your own using natural materials like pinecones, branches, and dried fruits. You can also reuse decorations from previous years or swap with friends to refresh your holiday decor without additional waste. Traditions are rooted in those reusable decorations and often can last a lifetime.
7. Give Back
Consider donating to a charitable organization or cause near and dear to your loved ones heart. This can make a perfect gift for that person who “has everything” and you feel stuck with what to get them. Donate to a Children’s Hospital, pay for trees to be planted, or give to your local food bank. Most of us have enough. This is a special time of year to give to those who truly need it.
8. Skip Purchasing New Gift Wrapping Materials
When it comes to wrapping, skip the conventional wrapping paper, which is often not recyclable. Instead, use fabric, newspaper, or even old maps to wrap your gifts. These alternatives are unique and reduce waste. The gift wrap can even be a part of the gift. Wrap a ceramic bowl in a gorgeous scarf, or use a t-shrit to wrap up the book you bought them.
9. Gift Thrift
Let’s normalize gifting items that already exist instead of always buying new. A few of our favourite gifts to grab at the thrift shops include…holiday themed items, coffee mugs, vases, cloth napkins (so many brand new, never used options), toys, books, scarves, baskets, and even gift wrap.
10. Educate Others
Share your waste-reducing strategies with friends and family. By spreading awareness and encouraging others to make sustainable choices, you can amplify your impact. Together, small changes can lead to significant improvements in reducing waste during the holiday season.
The holiday season is a wonderful time to connect with loved ones and celebrate traditions. By being mindful of our consumption and making sustainable choices, we can enjoy the festivities while minimizing our impact on the environment. Implementing these strategies not only helps reduce waste but also fosters a spirit of generosity and thoughtfulness that embodies the true essence of the season. Let’s work together to make this holiday season not just joyful but also sustainable. —Jennifer Pistor
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