The holidays are festive, busy, and often times exhausting. However, in the midst of it all, it’s important to remember how to take care of the pounds of wrapping paper, how to limit fossil fuel emissions from the strings of lights that decorate your households, and how to shop sustainably will still getting everything you need. Since we’re all in the seasonal and goodwill spirit, we should direct some of that attention towards the planet.
Food
The average household accounts for approximately 320 million pounds of wasted food just on Thanksgiving. By limiting the portions of food per person that is wasted, you are not only helping the planet but giving a plate to a person who might be in desperate need. The average person will produce 26 kg of carbon dioxide from the food they consume during the Christmas period. This is compared to the average 2 kg of carbon dioxide per person.
1. Plan your meals effectively
2. Use a combination of vegetarian, organic, and low waste meals
3. Use your food scraps for composting
4. Buy from local and organic markets to limit carbon footprint
Decorations
Decorating the house for holidays is a valued and beautiful tradition but the planet shouldn’t have to suffer for our happiness. If you’re going for an extravagant display, use timers to reduce the amount of time they are left on, and switch to LED holiday lights to reduce energy by one-third. It will reduce the cost of your energy bill and the amount of nonrenewable energy used to heat your home. However, if your house is running on renewable energy, light up the entire block!
1. Turn off the lights before bed and during daylight hours
2. Use LED, battery, or solar lights for a more environmentally friendly option
3. Avoid putting too many lights on trees to protect wildlife
Shopping
Shopping is another cherished holiday tradition, but it’s also avoided as long as possible. The phrase “shop until you drop” is the precise definition of holiday shopping. Gift giving doesn’t have to be stressful or take out a chunk of your wallet.
1. Buy gifts from thrift stores or secondhand antique shops
2. Quality over quantity gifts
3. Give your unwanted presents to charities or local hospitals
4. Shop locally
5. Gift an experience
Waste
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household produces up to 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. In order to mitigate this environmental damage, be conscious of the amount of wrapping paper you’re using and try to repurpose it whenever possible. Wasting less this holidays season will lead to more environmentally conscious decisions in the future and could even encourage family members to do the same.
1. Use brown paper, newspaper, or sustainable wrapping paper
2. Recycle gifts, wrapping papers, and cardboard boxes
3. Bring reusable bags when shopping for food or gifts
4. Use less plastic and more reusable containers
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