How to Have a Waste-Free December
‘Tis the season for sustainability! By choosing green decorations, thoughtful gifts, and mindful post-celebration practices, you can enjoy all the fun of the holidays with less environmental impact. Follow our recommendations to start the month off right.
Photo by Chuttersnap on Unsplash
1. Go green with your gift wrap
Use fabric gift wraps (furoshiki) or old newspapers for wrapping.
Repurpose jars, boxes, and other containers to create unique gift presentations.
Utilize reusable gift bags or upcycled ribbons.
2. Host eco-friendly holiday parties
Set up a zero-waste station with compostable cups, plates, and utensils, or encourage guests to bring their own.
Serve buffet-style to reduce food waste and encourage your guests to take what they’ll actually eat.
Decorate with natural elements like pinecones, branches, or dried fruit, instead of plastic or glittery décor.
3. Shop sustainably
Shop locally to reduce your carbon footprint.
Support brands with sustainable packaging and ethical production practices.
Give experiences, like a cooking class or tickets to an event.
4. Reconsider your leftovers
Plan meals based on the number of guests to avoid over-preparing.
Compost your food scraps and encourage others to do the same.
Repurpose your leftovers into new dishes, like soups or casseroles, or donate unused food to your local shelter.
6. Go minimalist with your gift list
Focus on experiences rather than physical products, like a day out or a donation in someone's name.
Purchase eco-friendly gifts like reusable bags, bamboo cutlery, or handmade items.
7. Travel sustainably
Reduce travel waste by bringing reusable water bottles, travel mugs, and eco-friendly toiletries.
Carpool or use public transportation.
8. Get creative with your holiday cards
Opt for e-cards or make your own using recycled paper.
Repurpose old holiday cards to create new ones or to make gift tags.
Consider sending a message of sustainability in the card itself.
9. Compost and recycle
After the holiday, focus on composting any organic waste, including food scraps and natural tree decorations.
Provide guidelines on what can and can’t be recycled during the holiday season, especially gift wrap and packaging.
Recycle your tree at one of our Bring One for the Chipper locations.
10. Keep the planet in mind when making resolutions
Set eco-conscious goals for the year ahead, like reducing plastic use or committing to a sustainable lifestyle.