8 Ways to Celebrate the Holidays Sustainably
The holidays are coming up soon, and many families are beginning to celebrate with fun decorations, food, presents, and more! As we approach this exciting time of year, here are a few ways to celebrate your holidays in a way that’s good for you and the environment!
1. Try making a new vegan dish
For Christmas dinner this year, why not try making a plant-based version of your favorite dish? Or branch out and try an entirely new vegan dish! Most dishes can be made vegan by substituting some ingredients. For example, apple sauce can be used instead of eggs in most desserts.
2. Skip the gift-wrapping
Wrapping paper is a super fun holiday tradition, but, unfortunately, the wasteful effects of it are not so fun. Wrapping paper is meant to be torn off and thrown away; it’s only purpose is to sit under the tree looking pretty. Instead of wasting all that paper, try using a bag instead. Better yet, find a nice reusable bag that can even be included as part of the present! The gift will be concealed, packaged nicely, and the bag itself is an extra gift! Now that’s a win-win.
3. Ditch the Christmas shopping bags
Plenty of waste is generated from the dozens and dozens of packages bought in-store or shipped each year. Wether you’re shopping online or in store, try to ditch the extra paper bags and bring your own bag instead.
4. Give a homemade gift
Homemade gifts aren’t just for kindergarteners! Use recycled materials or repurpose items into a lovely holiday present! Giving an upcycled present is more affordable, environmentally-friendly, and creative than buying a brand-new product!
5. Get a real Christmas tree
Contrary to popular belief, a real Christmas tree is actually better for the environment than a fake one. Even though fake trees can be reused for many years, they are made with unnatural materials, harmful chemicals and then shipped across the country. Real trees, on the other hand, benefit wildlife when they are alive and decompose naturally once they die.
6. Shop local
Again, it may be more difficult to shop local this year, but in general it is always best to shop close to you, whether it’s for food, presents, or anything else. Reduce the carbon footprint of your purchases and support local small business while you’re at it!
7. Send digital gift cards
If you’re one who likes to give gift cards, consider sending an electronic gift card. That way, the person receiving it can choose what to buy themselves and won’t risk losing the card. And if you don’t typically give gift cards because you think it’s “lazy,” it might be time to reconsider. With a gift card, the person receiving can choose what to buy themselves, preventing you from buying them something they’ll never use.
8. Give to charity
This holiday season, consider setting aside some money to donate to a environmentally-friendly charity, like the Environmental Defense Fund or the Rainforest Alliance. You can also donate under the name of a loved one!
Regardless of which holidays you celebrate, these tips will allow you to celebrate in a way that is festive but also safe for the environment. Happy holidays!
