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This time of year can get hectic and stressful real quick. If you need some help finding peace during the pre-holiday craze or find yourself in need of some last minute sustainable gift ideas make sure to pop back to these blogs. If you are looking for some easy ways to eco-fy your holiday celebrations then stick around.
1) The Tree
Swap out the idea of buying a fake tree with buying a potted tree. My Christmas tree is actually a potted houseplant I have year around. It is a Northfolk Pine that I named it Finkley. Each year I prop him up on a box or bucket and dress it in a tree skirt followed by some little and light ornaments. Another alternative to buying a plastic tree, or cutting down a living tree is to rent a tree! Yeah, its not a thing in too many places but it is a cool option if you can find it. You get the feel of having a big live tree without killing it. When you're done, it is returned to be planted in the earth or continue growing for rental the following season. If you still want to cut down a tree try supporting a small and local business. They often end up planting more tree than were cut the following year.
2) Eco Christmas Decorations
Don't be tempted by cheap, tacky, and wasteful décor littering the seasonal aisles! Instead, passing down décor through family can be a special way to celebrate and reminisce on special memories with loved once. Shopping second hand décor that is timeless and sustainable is another option. Finally you can upcycle your own new décor with simple DIYs by using old items around your home, or
incorporating natural elements from the outdoors.
3) Disguise Presents Sustainably
It has been years since I have had to purchase any wrapping paper yet I am never in short supply. I've certainly gotten a few odd looks when I carefully unwrap my presents and fold the paper bag up but once I explain that I reuse the paper the following year I get quite a few "oh that's a really good idea" comments. You can also save tissue paper, bags, ribbons, and bows. If you don't have any saved you can also use fabrics scraps. Furoshiki is the Japanese practice of wrapping gifts in reusable fabric. You can also use packaging paper, newspaper, or paper bags to wrap gifts as well. If you want to get fancy then you can paint, doodle, or stamp fun decorative designs on the paper.
4) Simplify Gifting
As we age and as our families grow it can be a daunting task to come up with gift ideas for every person. In my family we have swapped to doing secret Santa's when we can! This can help you be more focused on picking the perfect well thought out gift rather than rushing a present you don't feel so confident about.
5) Reusable Traditions
Instead of the cardboard and plastic advent calendars filled with chocolates or socks, try a reusable one! You might be able to find one second hand or upcycle a sturdy wooden or metal organizer. That way you can change up what you want to fill it with each year and customize it based on current interests.
6) Lights Out
Christmas lights certainly bring a cozy nostalgic feeling but leaving them on when you're not home, or outdoor once when its daylight is kind of silly. Its wasting electricity and costing you money. Try using a wall plug in timer or a smart app to the best times for your lights to be on.
7) Prevent Food Waste
When getting together with family and friends its easy to make too much food. Plan get togethers ahead including the food so there's no duplicates or too much. In addition to having guests plan their dish in advance, ask them to also bring a small takeout, Tupperware, or other reusable dish to make a leftover to go box when they leave. As always, compost scraps rather than landfilling them.
How many of these eco Christmas tips do you already incorporate in your holiday traditions? How many of them do you think you can carry over into other holiday traditions?
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