The holidays are coming. It is the “most wonderful time of the year.” It is also the most wasteful time of the year. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, Americans throw away 25% more trash than any other time of year! And it pretty much tops the charts for stress.
But it doesn’t have to be that way. Read on to discover a variety of easy ways to minimize waste while thoroughly enjoying the holiday season.
Decorations
It is easy to get carried away with holiday decorations as you observe all the dazzling cheap plastic disposable products that are already on display at big box stores. But chances are you already have accumulated quite few holiday decorations over the years. Spend some time with your family going through the boxes, remembering when you purchased or received each item and how it has delighted you. Even if the items seem a bit old-fashioned in this day and age, decorate your home with the items you love.
If you need to supplement your current decorations with something new, consider using eco-friendly items such as pine cones, pine boughs, leaves and berries that are freely available from nature’s bounty. Check out your kitchen cabinets for cinnamon sticks to wrap with a ribbon and use as fragrant ornaments or popcorn and cranberries that can be strung into garland. Introduce a new “tradition” with your family and friends as you gather and create these items. The Internet is filled with easy “do-it-yourself” ideas. Make it a party!
Gifts
Although it is tempting to shop until you drop to find the latest new gadget for everyone on your list, you might want to focus on finding the most meaningful gift instead. Have a conversation with those nearest and dearest to discover what they would really like to receive. Perhaps it is a vintage item that deserves another chance to be useful and bring joy. Maybe it is an experience that you can share with the recipient like tickets to an upcoming play or a visit to an art gallery or museum. Often the most appreciated gifts are the ones that create memories.
Or why not consider a practical gift that prevents waste like a pretty cloth shopping bag, a stainless-steel tiffin for food storage, or reusable produce bags. And don’t forget about food! Surprise someone with a share in a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) or a gift certificate to their favorite restaurant or food co-op. If you enjoy cooking or baking, you might even want to create your own coupon for a monthly homemade meal.
Gift Wrap
Did you know that much of the gift wrap available today is made from plastic and is not recyclable? Test it out! If you crumple a piece of gift wrap and it doesn’t stay crumpled, it is made from plastic. Paper gift wrap holds the crumpled shape. If you do not want to iron paper gift wrap for reuse like grandma did, you might want to consider a cloth gift bag. They are easy to make. Simply find a colorful fabric, sew it into the shape of a pillowcase, insert the gift, and tie it closed with a ribbon. Not only does the recipient get a gift; they also have a gift bag they can reuse. Other low waste options include wrapping the gift inside a pretty scarf or towel for two gifts in one, saving colorful sheets of newspaper to use as gift wrap, or having the kids decorate paper bags with holiday designs.
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When you consider your favorite holiday memories, chances are they aren’t about the most popular gift item of that year or the huge pile of gifts you gave and received. They are probably about time spent with loved ones enjoying the tradition of cookie baking, decorating a fragrant Christmas tree, and cooking and enjoying a sumptuous homemade meal.
Simplifying your holiday experience not only reduces waste and the level of stress that often accompanies the season, but it reminds us of the importance of family, friends and tradition.
Happy Holidays to You and Yours!
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