The holiday season is upon us and the year is quickly coming to a close. Let’s celebrate the holidays sustainably this year with these eco-friendly tips.

Trees

If your holiday traditions include a Christmas tree, consider whether an artificial or real tree is better for you and the planet.

  • Artificial Trees 

    Did you know that most artificial trees are made from plastic? Since plastic is a fossil fuel-based material, artificial trees require a lot of chemicals, are harmful to the environment, and create pollution. Most artificial trees are also made in China and have to be shipped to the U.S., causing even more environmental harm.

    However, research has shown that the longer an artificial tree is used, the smaller the negative impact it will have on the environment. If you use your artificial tree between 12 and 20 years, it will match the smaller environmental impact of a real tree.

    If you use an artificial tree, consider:

    • Reusing your tree for at least 12 years to offset the negative impact of the tree on the environment.
    • Thrifting a tree by either finding one that is pre-loved but new to you or donating your tree at the end of the holiday season.
  • Real Trees

    Did you know that Christmas trees grow for 8 to 10 years before being cut down? While trees are growing they provide habitats for wildlife and sequester carbon. However, the environmental benefits of a live tree are largely reversed when they are cut and disposed of after the holiday season. They are also often sprayed with chemical pesticides that are bad for workers and the environment.

    If you use a real tree, consider:

    • Buying from an organic and local tree farm to avoid the emissions and energy use associated with pesticides and shipping a tree across the country.
    • Renting a tree so that after a few years of being rented, a farm can retire the tree and plant it permanently.
    • Purchasing a tree with a root ball to plant it in the future.
    • Mulching your tree to use in your garden.
  • Other Options

    An alternative to a real or artificial tree is a decorative tree made of materials you already have at home. Trees made of string, cardboard, books, twigs, or other natural materials are all creative alternatives with beautiful aesthetics and they’re better for the environment!

Decorations

Similar to trees, the best decorations are from natural items, reused, or thrifted. Branches, pinecones, leaves, and other natural fall and winter decorations are perfect - not only are they better than plastic decorations for the environment, they are also free. DIY decorations are a fun way to create new holiday traditions as well. If you feel the need to use artificial decorations, search through decorations from years past or thrift stores to find some unique, new-to-you holiday décor.

If you are stringing holiday lights, make sure to use LEDs. LEDs are far better than traditional incandescent lights as they use up to 80% less energy, saving you a significant amount on your electricity bill.

Holiday Cards

When searching for holiday cards, look for cards made with recycled paper or with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark. The FSC mark certifies that the card has been produced sustainably and ethically. Plant-able cards are also growing in popularity. Some card companies make cards that include seeds to plant wildflowers in the spring. Make sure to recycle or upcycle old cards!

Gift Giving

The holidays are about spending time with loved ones near and far. According to a national survey, more than 3 in 4 Americans wish the holidays were less materialistic. Nearly 9 in 10 believe the holidays should be more about family and caring for others, not giving and receiving gifts. With that in mind, consider alternative gift giving practices this year.

  • Experiential Gifts

    Experiential gifts allow both the giver and the receiver to enjoy the best aspects of gift giving, without the environmental cost. Experiential gifts could include anything from art classes to music lessons, camping, ice skating, museum visits, concert tickets, movie passes, and many more! What could be better than giving your friend or family member a memory of time spent doing their favorite activities?

  • Gift Exchanges

    A secret gift exchange is all about having an enjoyable gifting experience without the excess and expense of giving to every person in a group. Designate a dollar limit on gifts in advance. The lower the limit, the more creative the gift ideas get, especially if humor is the goal. You’ll be surprised by how much laughter you can evoke by spending a dollar or two at a yard sale.

Gift Wrap 

Americans use around 8,000 tons of wrapping paper each year during the winter holidays, equal to roughly 50,000 trees. The worst part? Most of it ends up directly in the trash as shiny, sparkly, or glittery wrapping paper cannot be recycled.

Instead of standard gift wrap, try wrapping gifts in newspaper or colorful fabric. The comics section of the newspaper can be a fun treat to unwrap and colorful fabrics can be reused year-after-year. Gift bags instead of gift wrap are another option that can be reused. If you need gift wrap, choose some that is made of recycled paper and can be recycled.

The Meal

A 2021 analysis conducted by the Center for Biological Diversity shows that Americans generate 23% more waste in December than in other months of the year. One easy way to lower your waste in December is to fight food waste.

This year, challenge yourself to reduce food waste at your table using some of the tips below. For more holiday food waste tips, check out our Thanksgiving blog post.

  • Plan Ahead and Coordinate

    Plan your meal ahead of time and coordinate with your guests if they are contributing dishes to the meal. Choose recipes that use ingredients you already have (this is a good time to clean out your pantry!) and make a list for those you need. Stick to your list when shopping to avoid buying too much of any one food. If guests are contributing, make sure you know what food they are bringing to avoid any duplicates and waste.

  • Buy Local and Buy Plants

    When buying ingredients for your meal or decorations, such as squash, potatoes, apples, etc., buy them locally. Visit a local farm, farmers market, or small grocer. Supporting our neighbors is better for our communities and environment. Additionally, as you consider your meal options, try to replace one or two meat dishes with extra sides or a plant-based dish. Reducing the amount of meat consumed is one of the most significant ways you can create a healthier and more sustainable meal. If you want to go further, craft an entirely plant-based meal for your family and friends.

  • Make Dishes from Scratch

    Preparing dishes at home is healthier for you, your guests, and the environment. Avoid buying processed foods and try baking dinner rolls, pies, cookies, and other items you might normally buy at home. You may even start a new tradition by doing so!

  • Be Creative

    Do you have leftovers from your holiday meal? Luckily there are countless ways to repurpose a holiday meal – as soups, salads, sandwiches and more. Visit your favorite recipe website for inspiration!
  • Compost

    Creating intricate meals can generate a lot of waste. Be sure to take advantage of compost opportunities in your area. You can also consider starting your own backyard composting bin.

  • Donate to a Food Pantry

    In addition to reducing the amount of food waste at your own table, the holidays are a time to think about ways to help others who don’t have a steady food supply.

    After your meal, take a look at your extra non-perishables. Consider donating unopened cans, pasta, rice, etc. to a local food pantry or if you are on or near campus, to the Cardinal Cupboard.

This year, focus on what truly matters during the holidays, spending time with your loved ones, reflecting on the year passed and the year ahead, and being grateful for all that we have.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!