Just like that, as we approach December, another year is almost over. The holidays are here, and with them come traditions of eating, giving, partying, and celebrating together. The holiday season gives us a reason to reconnect and think about those we love and those we may not have seen for some time. It also breaks the 9-5 routine, and offers a positive, much-needed distraction for the end of the year.
As cheerful as the season may be, a quiet stress sneaks its way into our lives as we begin planning to buy or make presents and attend holiday events. In addition to the extra money we are spending for these festivities, this is also the time of year we are wasting a considerable amount – more than the rest of the year. In fact, between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Americans throw away about 25 percent more trash. In addition to the enormous amounts of trash we produce during the year, during the winter season, we significantly increase that percentage. This includes everything from wrapping paper and holiday directions, to food and excess plastic.
In my efforts to reduce waste and simplify life (a yogic practice of ahimsa, or kindness), I began an exploration of finding ways that would significantly reduce the environmental impact my family and I make during this time of year. With a little bit of effort and planning, these five simple steps can help cut down trash – and make life simpler – over the holidays:
Consider buying a real tree.
By “real tree,” I mean one that comes from (local) farmland dedicated to Christmas trees, and this way, they serve as a habitat. With every tree purchased, farmers will plant three to four new trees. This is more sustainable than a fake tree because real trees can be composted and/or recycled. If you do buy a fake tree, keep in mind that you’ll want to use it for many years to come in order for it to make an impact against the alternative of a real tree.
Go raw. Don’t use wrapping paper at all! Instead:
- Use old magazines, newspapers, paper maps, junk mail, or pages from books you will never read again.
- Go sans paper: reuse tins, baskets, and boxes as gift packaging.
- For presents you receive, save the wrapping paper and reuse.
- Use fabric bows, which are reusable and easier to recycle.
- Ask friends to not use wrapping paper for your/your family’s presents.
Do it yourself. Consider the following DIY recipes and gift items:
- Winter holidays homemade cookies
- Homemade holiday bread
- Homemade holiday jam
- Trees, plants, or succulents
- Go for a walk in nature and gather leaves, branches you like, pine cones, etc., and create your own holiday ornament to gift.
Get creative. These alternative gifts focus on experiences over things, and are more sustainable than store-bought:
- Homemade coupons that can be redeemed for a home-cooked meal, community event, or experience of recipient’s choice (i.e. to a restaurant, museum, etc.), donation to charity of recipient’s choice
- Movie tickets
- Yoga classes
- Produce delivery service
Decorate consciously.
Reuse your decorations and holiday lights; if you haven’t done so yet, start this year. Try bringing nature into your home. For instance, gather pine cones (small, medium and large ones) and decorate around candlelights, table centerpieces, etc. You can also use them to make your own Christmas calendar:
Step 1: Gather 24 small pinecones and wash.
Step 2: Paint a number on each, numbering from one to 24.
Step 3: Attach each pinecone onto a piece of thread, so they all hang on the same thread.
Step 4: On each pinecone, attach a smaller piece of thread to hang small gifts (i.e. candy, dates, notes with different activities, coupons, or chores, etc.).
Step 5: Hang as a decoration in your home!
Your imagination is the limit. Get creative, and have fun with your low-waste holidays!
