Eco-Friendly Holiday Ideas
A fun fact about my family and this time of year, all four of us have a birthday and Christmas within the span of 42-day. It’s a mad dash of gift-giving and celebrating in a short period of time, then we wait another 320 days, and it starts all over again. As the kids have gotten older, I’ve noticed a shift in our style of celebrating. The moments together have become more meaningful, and gift-giving has become more intentional and less about the stuff. It’s easy to get caught up in convenience, but it’s important to consider… “Do we really need it all?”
Last year, I read this fabulous post from Anne-Marie Bonneau, Zero-Waste Chef on making memories not waste. It was an excellent reminder that joy comes from our experiences together, not the stuff. She also shared a great list of gift ideas in that post! This article got me thinking about all the things we do this time of year that create excess waste. Don’t get me started on gift wrap. It’s not about making massive changes, small steps will do just fine. The point is to sit down, think about your needs, and make a plan.
What can you do this holiday season to create less waste? Where can you make better choices when it comes to consumption and waste?
I’ve shared ideas on gift-giving, so this year I thought it would be fun to offer some eco-friendly choices for your holiday season. Consider picking one or two things that feel easy to change this year. Who knows… you might love it!
Alternatives to gift wrap
Newsprint or craft paper instead of gift wrap that isn’t recyclable
A reusable bag instead of wrap
Glass jars or containers
Natural fiber or fabric ribbon instead of poly ribbon
Homemade gift tags from old holiday cards or write recipients name directly on the package
Learn how to wrap gifts without tape
Holiday card options:
Electronic card versus a paper card (although I love sending cards)
Recycled paper vs. photo cards or cards with plastic coating
Handwrite the address instead of using a label
Use a return address stamp instead of a label
If you want a printed card, shop local or use a local printer
When gathering, consider:
No disposable items or single-use serving dishes
Rent or borrow items you don’t have rather than buy new
Dishware, silverware, cloth napkins, and placemats
Have guests bring a reusable container for leftovers
Carpool to your events
Turn the heat down before guests arrive
When buying a gift have a plan:
Shopping locally should always be the first thought
Buy only things that people will use
Focus on the experience rather than the stuff
Stick with sustainable materials if possible
Try to avoid plastic and excess packaging
Set limits to gift giving, either a dollar amount or number of gifts
Consider things that will be used up or serve a purpose
I hope to continue incorporating small sustainable changes into our holiday. Having my husband home is going to be the best gift of all! What special traditions do you have during the holidays?
