How to Have a Sustainable Holiday Season
We’ve all dreamt of a white Christmas (here’s to you, Bing Crosby), but what if we all went a little greener? Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Festivus, or Noel, you can do your part to make this the most wonderful and eco-friendly time of the year. Read our favorite tips below!
1. Buy a real tree (and recycle it when you’re done!)
Purchasing a live tree is more sustainable than you might think. First, you’re supporting the local economy, which can’t be said for most artificial versions. According to the National Christmas Tree Association, nearly 350 million Christmas trees currently grow on U.S. farms, absorbing carbon dioxide, emitting fresh oxygen, stabilizing soil, protecting water supplies, and providing refuge for wildlife. In addition, for each tree harvested, farmers plant one to three seedlings in its place. This makes them a renewable resource! When the new year rolls around, you can also give your live tree a second life. In Georgia, our Bring One for the Chipper ‘treecycling’ program transforms discarded trees into mulch used for community beautification projects and wildlife habitats. Check out our events page to find a drop-off location near you.
2. Send forest-friendly cards
Everyone loves catching up with friends and family during the holidays, but you can certainly exchange greetings without costing the earth! Consider sending personalized digital updates or switching to cards printed on recycled paper. These days, you can even find plantable cards embedded with seeds that will transform into wildflowers in the spring! Your local bee population will thank you.
3. Shop local
Yes, you can recycle the pile of paper boxes from your online shopping spree, but isn’t it better to reduce waste in the first place? Set aside some time one evening or weekend to browse stores and small businesses near you. You’ll feel better about your footprint and support your local economy at the same time. If you do need to purchase gifts online, try to buy from retailers that practice sustainable shipping methods.
4. Recycle, reduce, reuse
This applies to celebrations as well as gifts. Hosting a holiday bash? Use real dishes instead of disposable ones—your guests (and dishwasher) can help with the mess. Alternatively, consider using recyclable or compostable utensils and dishware. When it comes to presents, reuse materials from last year. With care, you can get at least two uses out of wrapping paper, and saving your bows, ribbons, and gift bags is a no-brainer! We’re not opposed to the old-fashioned method of upcycling paper bags or newspaper either. Comics can be quite colorful!
5. Last but not least, donate
You might not feel like going through your closets during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but you can spread joy to those in need by dropping off gently used items at your local thrift store, charity organization, or animal shelter. After all, giving is what this month is all about, right? And you don’t have to stop after December ends…that’s right, we’re looking at you, white elephant gift. Go ahead and turn it into someone else’s treasure!