The holiday season is often called the best time of the year but it is also the most waste-filled time of the year. From Thanksgiving to New Year's, the amount of waste generated increases by 25%.
We know it can be hard to think environmentally with the chaos (or joy) of the holidays so we've put together some gift tips to help you have a "green" holiday season.
Wrapping Gifts
Wrapping paper is often used once and thrown away. What a waste, considering 50,000 trees are used each year to make wrapping paper. Instead of wrapping paper try these alternatives!
- pages torn from magazines
- old maps
- newspaper comics
- reusable tins, baskets or bags
- tea towels or scarves
- naked gifts (not wrapped at all!)
The Gift of Waste
It's easy to take steps on your end to reduce your waste, however not everyone has an environmental thumb. Here are some ideas to help with the gifts you receive.
- save tissue paper, gift bags and cards to reuse next year
- recycle wrapping paper that is free of glitter and metallic designs
- unwrap gifts carefully to reuse wrapping paper
- speak to the gift giver and ask for unwrapped gifts in the future
Gift Giving
Not what the season is suppose to be about but gifts are often the number one way to show your family and friends love during the holidays. Instead of just buying "things", have a less-waste theme to the gifts you give.
- make homemade goodies like bread, jam, cookies, freezer meals
- gift plants, trees or seed for next year's garden
- make yourself the gift for errands, chores, home repairs or babysitting
- give gifts that give all year long like memberships to a spa, zoo, or gym and passes for state parks, public transportation, or museum
- give experiences like museum trips, event tickets, dinner out, IOU beach outings
- buy gifts that are reusable like water bottles, bamboo silverware, canvas bags, nature guides and items made from recycled materials
Don't forget that in 2020 a "green" holiday also means buying local. Supporting local businesses is more important this year and many offer safe online ordering options with curbside pick up or delivery!
