Dear Eartha, as the holidays roll in, it’s clear we’re dealing with a bunch of waste from gifts, decorations, and food. Any ideas on how I can waste less this holiday season?
‘Tis the season to sprinkle joy and eco-magic into your celebrations! Amidst the parties and presents, let’s be mindful of the increased waste during this festive time. In the US, holiday waste surges by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Opt for gifts with a green touch and plan festive feasts to cut down on food waste. Let’s make it a season of merriment while spreading kindness to our planet.
Deck the Halls with Eco-Cheer: Green Holiday Preparation Tips
Before the holidays hit, there are plenty of eco-friendly moves to consider. Let’s talk about giving our spaces a sustainable makeover. Imagine a winter wonderland filled with decorations that bring joy without creating a mountain of waste. Gather pinecones, acorns, and twigs from your yard or a nearby park to make your own ornaments or wreaths. Not only do these natural elements add a touch of beauty, but they also decompose harmlessly after the holiday season.
Now, onto the delightful topic of gifts! Start by seeking presents that are timeless, opting for items with durability and a long-lasting charm. Choosing sustainable gifts goes a long way in preserving natural resources, cutting down on carbon emissions, and endorsing ethical business practices—ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable future for everyone. Brands such as Suspire are shining examples, embracing green practices in their gifting offerings. Another idea is to give experiences that bring joy without contributing to physical clutter. Imagine taking your little ones to the zoo or treating your dad to a baseball game—gifts that create lasting memories!
Here’s another festive tip: not all wrapping paper is cut from the same cloth. Seek out that wrapping magic with a high dose of post-consumer recycled content, a gift wrap that’s born from recycled paper goodness. Want to take it up a notch on the eco-cheer scale? Embrace the art of reusing gift bags, wrap with an old newspaper, or dive into the joy of creativity with repurposed ribbons and twine lengths. Let’s wrap our gifts with love for the planet and a sprinkle of holiday cheer
Christmas Feast Wisdom: Savor Every Bite, Minimize Waste
As we delve into the heart of Christmas—dinner time—let’s make it a celebration of flavors while also championing minimal food waste. Before rushing to the supermarket, take a peek into your storage shelves; you might find treasures like spices and herbs waiting at home. Crafting your Christmas shopping list? Consider what you already have, and if you accidentally double up, prioritize the older items to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Cooked up a storm but have leftovers? Fear not! Your freezer is the holiday hero here. While a fridge keeps cooked food fresh for a few days, a freezer can extend that delight for 1 month to 1 year. Make sure your freezer is prepped and ready to welcome these festive delights.
As the festivities unfold, don’t forget to recycle. Set the stage for sustainable success by placing bins for easy recycling and composting, guiding guests to dispose of waste responsibly. Did you know High Country Conservation Center offers free compost buckets for your food scraps? Transform those scraps into High Country compost magic.
And let’s not forget about recycling—ensure you’re in sync with local guidelines to recycle correctly. Together, let’s spread the spirit of eco-joy throughout the holiday gathering!
Share the Magic: Heartwarming Acts of Kindness this Holiday Season
This Christmas, let’s spread joy through acts of kindness. Instead of traditional presents, think about making a donation to a beloved charity in someone’s name—an extraordinary gift that truly gives back. Embrace the enchantment of Christmas by directing your generosity towards local nonprofits that uplift our community. These thoughtful gestures not only warm the hearts of your loved ones but also contribute to a season of goodwill and positive impact.
In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s evident that our festivities generate a significant amount of waste from gifts, decorations, and food. However, let’s turn this awareness into action and make a conscious effort to waste less this holiday season.
Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.
