How to Have a More Sustainable Holiday Season

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year: The Holidays Are Here!

It's the holiday season, and you know what that means: lots of shopping, lots of family time, and lots of food. But did you know that the holidays are also one of the most environmentally taxing times of the year? And while many of us look forward to this festive time of year, it's also a time when we are more likely to feel pressured into buying things we don't need—and creating waste.?

But there are ways you can make your holiday experience more sustainable and kinder for the planet. Here are 10 ways to be more sustainable during the holiday season:

1.?LIMIT THE NUMBER OF LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS YOU USE THIS YEAR?

Instead of buying a bunch of brand new decorations each year, try recycling your old holiday decorations from previous years! This is a great way to save money as well as help the environment. If you're going to buy new lights and decorations, consider purchasing LED lights—they will last longer than traditional lights and save energy in the long run!

2. USE REUSABLE CUPS INSTEAD OF PLASTIC ONES

Holiday prep can lead to a glut of plastic cups and plates. We're all guilty of it. While it may be easier in the short-term to use plastic plates and cups since it saves you from having to do the dishes, disposable plastic cutlery just ends up in landfills causing long-term harm to the environment. If you're hosting a party this year, use reusable cups instead of plastic ones—or better yet, try asking guests to BYOB (bring their own beverage). It'll save your wallet and help reduce waste at the same time!

3. BUY LOCAL AND ORGANIC FOOD

Buying local food means that the food didn't have to travel very far before it got to your plate. Buying organic means that no pesticides were used in growing your meal. You can reduce waste and reduce your carbon footprint by purchasing local food for your holiday meals, while also supporting local businesses.

4. TURN OFF LIGHTS AND UNPLUG ELECTRONICS WHEN YOU’RE NOT USING THEM?

If you have a habit of leaving lights on, or leaving your computer plugged in when you're not using it, now is the time to change that.

During the holidays, unplugging electronics (like your phone) and turning off lights can help save energy, and save your electric bill. You can also use LED light bulbs—they last longer than traditional bulbs, use less energy, and don't contain harmful chemicals like mercury. It only takes a few seconds to do so, but those few seconds can add up to a lot of wasted energy.?

5. SET A TIMER ON YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS?

When you set a timer, you will use less energy than if you left them on all day and night. This will save you money, and it will also help the environment. Your lights can be set to turn off after a certain number of hours, depending on your preference and how you set up your light timer. The time that you choose will depend on how much light is needed in your home during the evening hours, and how long you want to see your holiday lights shine during the winter season.

6. USE RE-GIFTING AS AN OPPORTUNITY TO START FRESH.

If someone gives you a gift that doesn't fit your needs or style, pass it along to someone else who might enjoy it—and then use the money you saved from not buying something new for a gift for yourself!

Remember—regifting isn’t a bad thing as long as you pass the gift onto someone that you think would appreciate it! Rather than having a gift end up in a landfill or being neglected and unused, pass it along to someone who would get joy and use out of the gift.

7. DON’T WRAP PRESENTS IN PLASTIC WRAP OR GIFT BAGS—USE REUSABLE FABRIC BAGS INSTEAD.

It’s easy to forget about the amount of waste we create during the holidays, with all the wrapping paper, plastic shopping bags, and disposable plates and cups.? Plastic wraps and gift bags are major contributors to plastic pollution.?

So, instead of using plastic bags during the holidays, use reusable fabric bags! You'll not only be preserving the environment, but you'll also be saving money for yourself. Or, if you have plastic gift bags from previous years, reuse them (as long as they are in good condition)! And if you are given a present in a plastic gift bag, remember to store the bag with your wrapping items for next year.

8. BUY LOCALLY-MADE GIFTS

Buying locally-made gifts is a great way to be more sustainable during the holiday season. You can find so many amazing products made by local artisans, artists, and craftspeople. Not only can buying locally-made gifts help reduce your carbon footprint (since they don't have to travel as far), but they also support small businesses, which are an important part of our economy. These gifts are usually high-quality and unique, which makes them extra special for your loved ones!

9. GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY

If you're looking for ways to be more sustainable during the holiday season, consider giving back to your community. Whether it's volunteering at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter, donating to a food bank or toy drive, or just helping out at an event in your area, you can make a difference by giving back!

This year, take the time to give back and make a difference in your community. It will benefit everyone involved—you'll get to help others while also helping yourself—the act of giving will leave you feeling happier and more fulfilled than ever!

10. DONATE UNWANTED GIFTS TO CHARITY INSTEAD OF THROWING THEM AWAY??

The holidays are about giving, but what about all those gifts you don't want, and don’t have anyone in mind to regift to?

Donate those gifts to charity!

It's a great way to give back, and there are tons of organizations that accept donations year-round. You can also find local charities that accept donations during the holiday season. By donating your unwanted gifts, there is a better chance the items end up with someone who will appreciate them instead of sitting in a landfill.

Donate your unwanted gifts so someone else can enjoy them!

The holiday season is a beautiful time to spend with family, friends, and loved ones where we can eat, drink, reminisce, and discuss the highlights of each year. But let’s not forget to do our part to make it great for the environment, too. These small and simple acts lead to something bigger and more impactful than you can even realize, and it’s more amazing when you can do it with friends and family.

Which of these practices will you be introducing first at the family reunion? Tell us in the comments!