While the holidays can be extravagant, it doesn’t mean they have to be wasteful!
When it comes to trees…
It tends to be more sustainable to buy a real Christmas tree. Artificial trees are made from un-recycleable artificial materials, some of which can be harmful to people as well as the environment. Often artificial trees are manufactured overseas and have to be shipped great distances, which adds to the negative environmental impact.
If you do choose a real Christmas tree, try to purchase a pesticide-free tree. While it may not seem as important to purchase a tree that was not treated with pesticides because it isn’t something you’ll be consuming, pesticides can have negative impacts on the environment.
The most sustainable option of them all would be to purchase a plantable tree that you can then put in your yard when the holiday season is over!
When it comes to parties and decorating…
Try to avoid single-uses dishes and cutlery. Even though it may cut down on the amount of items that go in the dishwasher, single-use plastic has a much more harmful impact on the Earth. Single-use utensils can take up to 1,000 years to decompose, according to National Geographic!
Deck the halls with LED lights! They use at least 75% less energy than incandescent light bulbs and they last up to 25x longer, according to energy.gov. You can also save energy by putting these lights on a timer, so they won’t stay on all night when you aren’t awake to enjoy them.
Decorate with the classics… popcorn garlands, dried citrus ornaments, and pinecones are back in style thanks to their eco-friendly status and charm. Consider these adornments before you head out to purchase more plastic!
When it comes to gifts…
Gifts don’t have to be tangible objects. Experiential gifts are a great way to make memories with your loved ones while avoiding wasteful purchases. An outdoor adventure, a trip to explore a new city, or a movie night are all ways to spend quality time with those you care about!
Shop for local gifts and food this holiday season! Support small businesses and cut down on green-house gas emissions with locally sourced objects. You can check out your local farmers markets for great gifts!
Use re-useable wrapping! Much of the wrapping paper and ribbons most commonly used during the holiday season aren’t recycleable. Instead, you can used recycled wrapping materials like newspaper, keeping it old fashioned. Alternatively, you can wrap using the trendy re-usable bags that everyone is talking about.
We hope that you have a wonderful holiday season!!
