Wrapping paper, tape and ribbons – all staple materials for the holidays, however they are quite unsustainable. Each year, many of these materials contribute to the devastating amount of waste being produced during the holiday season.
The holidays can be an overwhelming time for many, and the stress of over consumption. A great deal of waste is produced, but luckily, there are many solutions to this problem.
One of the primary areas people can change their focus during the holidays is gift giving. Rather than contributing to the endless cycle of consumerism, consider buying experiences rather than mass produced items. A concert ticket or a special dinner can create lasting memories while also being more eco–friendly. Additionally, creating your own gifts such as a photo album or pottery not only shows the time and thought put into the personalized present, but also reduces the environmental impact.
Along with your hand–made gifts comes wrapping. Instead of using traditional wrapping paper, items such as scraps of fabric, newspapers, old maps or paper grocery bags are not only more environmentally friendly, but also add a personal touch to gifts.
As well as gift giving being a large part of the season, what’s a better way to get into the holiday spirit then with decorations? Lights hanging around houses and pine trees lit up with ornaments. This is just as important of a step in the direction of reducing environmental impact. Consider slicing citrus such as lemon or oranges and baking them to create the perfect ornaments for a tree. Cinnamon sticks and pine cones can also add a festive touch to home decorating. Holiday lights can also contribute to the festive feeling of the holidays. Choosing energy–efficient LED lights and setting timers for their use is a great option to ensure a festive atmosphere without unnecessary environmental impact.
Taking these small steps to insure a more sustainable holiday while still creating a cheerful environment is important to the future of our environment, and everyone can help to make a difference. By making mindful choices in gift-giving, decorations, lighting and much more, people can create a holiday experience that not only brings joy to all, but also leaves a positive impact on the planet. If everyone takes small steps and makes changes to holiday celebrations, each person can make a significant difference in the future of the planet.
