The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and celebration, but it can also lead to significant waste. From gift packaging to food leftovers, the environmental impact of the holidays can be overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to make your holidays more eco-friendly without sacrificing the fun or tradition. Here are 10 sustainable holiday tips to help you reduce your environmental impact while still enjoying the season:

1. Gift Eco-Friendly Items

This holiday season, give gifts that support sustainability. Eco-friendly presents, such as reusable coffee cups, solid shampoo bars, and reusable makeup remover wipes, help encourage sustainable living. These practical gifts are not only thoughtful but also help reduce waste and encourage greener habits. Embrace the spirit of sustainable holidays by gifting items that promote a healthier planet.

2. Give the gift of experiences

Rather than giving physical items, consider gifting experiences that create lasting memories. Tickets to a local theater show, a museum visit, or a concert can all be great alternatives. Or, give the gift of your time—plan a fun outing or a homemade meal. Experience-based gifts are wonderful for reducing physical waste, making them a perfect fit for your sustainable holiday celebrations.

3. Donate unwanted gifts

If you receive a gift that’s not quite right for you, don’t let it go to waste! Instead of tossing it aside, donate the item to charity, sell it, or organize a charity sale with your unwanted presents. Remember, one person’s unwanted gift is another’s treasure. This helps keep usable items out of landfills and supports those in need.

4. Go for a festive winter walk

This year, why not swap an hour of TV time for a refreshing holiday walk? Not only will you enjoy some physical activity, but you’ll also be reducing your carbon footprint. A walk in nature has been shown to improve mental health, reduce stress, and connect you with the natural world. Plus, it’s a great way to admire your neighborhood’s holiday decorations in a more sustainable way!

5. Plan your festive food shopping carefully

Minimize waste by buying food from local suppliers, and try to avoid plastic packaging by purchasing fruits and vegetables loose. Plan your meals carefully and be realistic about portion sizes to avoid excess. Reuse containers or use beeswax wraps instead of cling film to store leftovers. By being mindful of your food choices and reducing packaging waste, you can enjoy the season in a more sustainable holiday style.

6. Choose eco-friendly candles

If you plan to use candles to decorate or create a cozy atmosphere, opt for those made from sustainable materials like soy wax, beeswax, or coconut wax. Choose candles scented with essential oils and those with cotton, hemp, or wooden wicks. These candles are less toxic and kinder to the environment, making your holiday decor both beautiful and eco-friendly

7. Make your own gifts

Instead of buying mass-produced gifts, consider making your own! Homemade gifts like cookies, jams, or DIY crafts (such as knitted scarves or painted picture frames) are thoughtful and personal. You could also make a family photo calendar or craft jewelry..

8. Wrap gifts sustainably

Say goodbye to single-use wrapping paper and switch to reusable gift bags, fabric, or even old newspapers. You can also repurpose gift boxes, ribbons, and bows from previous years. For a creative touch, try wrapping gifts in gardening pots, mixing bowls, or mason jars—each item can be reused by the recipient. Keep the wrapping minimal and avoid excessive waste.

9. Sustainable holiday decorations

Decorate your home using sustainable options. Skip the plastic tinsel and use natural items like pine cones, evergreen branches, and berries to create festive arrangements. You can even make edible ornaments like seed bells or pine cones coated in peanut butter to feed birds in your yard.

10. Serve sustainable party food

If you’re hosting a holiday party, plan your menu carefully to avoid food waste. Serve locally grown food when possible, and try to minimize individually packaged drinks. Use reusable plates, cups, and utensils, and encourage guests to bring their own containers for leftovers. After the celebration, donate any surplus food to local food banks or compost what you can’t donate. Reducing food waste is a simple yet impactful way to make your holiday gatherings more sustainable.

By incorporating these sustainable holiday tips into your traditions, you can significantly reduce your environmental footprint while still enjoying the season’s festivities. This year, try to be more eco-conscious and pass on the gift of a greener, more sustainable holiday season to your loved ones.

Let’s make this holiday season one that’s not just joyful, but also kind to the planet! 🌍🎄

Sources:

Gov.UK, Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State