how can you enjoy a sustainable Holiday season?
10 tips for Celebrate Without Wasting the Planet
The extra waste generated during the holidays doesn’t just fill up landfills—it also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. For example:
- Shipping emissions soar. Online shopping skyrockets during the holidays, increasing transportation-related carbon emissions.
- Food waste spikes. According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 30% of food prepared during the holidays ends up in the trash. Food waste in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
- Energy use skyrockets. All those extra lights and electronics contribute to increased electricity demand, much of which is still sourced from fossil fuels.
But don’t let these stats dim your festive spirit! There are plenty of ways to reduce your holiday carbon footprint while still celebrating in style.
10 Tips for a More Sustainable Holiday
- Shop slocal and be thoughtful
Instead of relying on online shopping and long shipping routes, consider supporting local artisans, farmers, and businesses like the rad holiday pop up store Slocally Made downtown! - Wrap smart
Ditch the glossy, plastic-coated wrapping paper. Use recyclable or reusable alternatives like kraft paper, fabric wraps (furoshiki-style!), or even old maps and newspapers. - Opt for experiences over stuff
Give the gift of memories! Tickets to a local concert, a cooking class, or a CA State Park pass are low-waste, high-impact presents… and you get to spend time together! - Choose a sustainable tree
If you’re a real tree person, look for farms that grow sustainably like Brookshire Farms… but the best choice is ironically artificial trees because you can reuse the same one year after year. Bonus: Decorate with LED lights for energy efficiency. - Reduce Food Waste
Plan your meals carefully to avoid over-preparing. Share leftovers with friends or freeze them for later. And don’t forget to compost food scraps! - DIY Your Decorations
Make decorations from natural or recycled materials. Pinecones, dried oranges, or upcycled ornaments from local thrift stores are eco-friendly and charming. - Skip Single-Use Dinnerware
Hosting a holiday party? Go for real dishes and cloth napkins instead of disposable ones. If you’re short on time, hire Tableware Share to provide and then take away dishes for your gathering. - Give Green Gifts
Choose gifts that are eco-friendly, like reusable water bottles or solar-powered gadgets. For bonus points, support local and national companies with excellent environmental practices. - Rethink Travel Plans
If you’re traveling, you can reduce your carbon footprint by carpooling, taking the train, or choosing direct flights. If staying local, have a virtual celebration with distant loved ones. - Light It Right
Opt for LEDs inside and outside your house… they use about 80% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and solar-powered outdoor lights use basically none!
A Greener New Year
The holidays are a wonderful time to reflect on the year gone by and to look ahead to a brighter future. By making a few sustainable swaps, we can all reduce our impact on the environment while still enjoying everything that makes this season special.
So this year, let’s toast not just to peace on Earth, but to a healthier planet. Your small actions can inspire others to do the same—and together, we can make this holiday season the greenest one yet. Happy sustainable holidays!
