I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas…
I know Christmas is like, Friday, so I am a little late to the party. But let’s be honest, 2020 has been nothing if not chaotic. So let’s just jump right into my suggestions for celebrating a happy, sustainable, and festive holiday season. I’ve broken my tips into sections of gifts, food, and decoration.
Gifts
1. Ditch the wrapping paper. As fun as it is to tear open a present, wrapping paper has a pretty strict one time use policy. Gift bags on the other had can be used multiple times. So, grab a bag when you can.
2. Use color coding instead of the traditional “to/from” stickers. My family has different colored bows for each of us. Mine are red, my brother’s green, and the parents are gold and silver. Similar to bags, bows can be used more than once. The color of bow designates who the gift goes to without us having to use wasteful labels or writing directly on the bag making it harder to re-use.
3. Shop small. This one isn’t revolutionary by any means but always a good reminder. Shopping small supports your local economy and can help reduce emissions as there is no shipping and local businesses typically source local as well.
4. Give the intangible. I personally would take an experience over a “thing” any day. Make them dinner, take them out to dinner, buy them tickets to a concert or a movie they are looking forward to, all things they will hopefully be able to use in the near future. Or make a donation in their honor to their favorite charity or non-profit. Any of these things are far more personal than a sweater you found on the sale rack.
Food
1. I know the holidays are a time for indulgence, but making a list and checking it twice for your family dinner can help keep things in check. Try to get a final headcount for who will be in attendance and make the proper amount of food. If there are only three of you getting together (as is probably the case for you this year), you don’t need 12 sides and 18 desserts.
2. Local food is the best food. Go to your local bakery for your holiday sweet treats, buy local and in season produce for your meals, and (if you eat meat) go to nearby, free-range butcher shops.
3. Break out the good china. So many times at parties we see stacks of disposable cups and plates. I know not everyone has enough real glasses or forks to always go around but try hitting up your thrift store for cheap cutlery sets or ask you mom to bring hers when she comes over 2 hours early to explain to you how to “properly” make that mac and cheese.
Decoration
1. Recycle your tree. Yes, you read that right. Real trees are, guess what, biodegradable. Therefore they can be recycled or reused instead of tossed in a landfill. Check out The National Christmas Tree Association for resources and on recycling your tree.
2. Buy a rooted tree. This isn’t the most practical. Especially if you live in a more urban environment. However, if you have the ability/space to plant a tree after the holidays, it is a great option!
3. Make your own. I think we all have ornaments on our trees that we made in kindergarten. Well, bring back that nostalgic and carefree mindset by making some more, potentially better crafted, decorations.
4. Use LED lights. These lights use significantly less power than the traditional lights. Your energy bill will thank you as well for this one.
5. Find your own sparkle. We all love a little shimmer, but did you know glitter is mostly made of plastic? More specifically, glitter is a microplastic that infiltrates and pollutes our water ways and the ecosystems within them.
The holidays are all about giving. Give to your friends and family, but don’t forget to show a little love to the planet too.
Resources:
The National Christmas Tree Association
