The holidays are an excellent chance for you and your family to get together. Usually, the idea of ‘holiday’ is synonymous with cookies, parties, and celebrations. While all of these things may be fun, they aren’t good for the environment.
Here are a few tips for eco-friendly holiday celebrations.
1. Think Outside the Box
Holiday celebrations don’t have to come with the typical glitz and glamor. Think out of the box and do something more laid-back. Instead of throwing a lavish party, you can have lots of fun volunteering at a senior center, animal shelter, or a local soup kitchen. Think of a way to have fun without hurting the environment.
2. Use Eco-Chic Décor Pieces
Ensure that your décor pieces are eco-friendly. There are lots of ways to make your space look great while being kind to the environment. For example, a real tree and real flowers will look just as beautiful as artificial ones. Wildflowers would make fantastic centerpieces, and greenery doesn’t need to be plastic.
When they die, press them down or compost them. Eggshells, cranberries, and strung popcorn make classic Christmas decor items. They could be fantastic additions to your Christmas tree. Use LED lights as they could be 90 percent more efficient than traditional holiday lights.
3. Go for Locally-Grown Organic Food
Where possible, prepare organic and locally-grown food. Such foods are a lot easier for the environment than foods sourced from other areas. If you have to get food from elsewhere, it must be transported to get to you. The burning of fuel is bad for the environment.
Consider using seasonal foods for your party. Stay away from packaged and processed options. If you enjoy wine, opt for organic wines.
4. Send e-Invites
Instead of paper invites, consider using e-invites. The world is going paperless, and you would be wise to evolve with it. You can get free digital eCards and invites that match your style and needs.
If you are environmentally conscious, Christmas cards come with a lot of guilt and can clutter your space. They eventually end up in landfills. Luckily, you don’t have to give up the tradition altogether. With cards and invites, you can let your loved ones know you are thinking of them without harming the environment.
Many sites can now help you create elegant and personalized cards for your loved ones. They are just as beautiful as paper varieties and may be easier on your pockets.
5. Reusable Cutlery and Dishes
Disposable cutlery and dishes are convenient. However, they aren’t kind to the environment. The United Nations Environment Program reports that only nine percent of the plastic produced is recycled. The rest finds its way into oceans and landfills.
About eight million tons of plastic go into the sea every year. The plastic leads to the suffocation, drowning, and death of marine animals. Use glass, ceramic, or metal dishes and cutlery instead of plastic. Washing the dishes may be inconvenient, but it is a step towards protecting the environment.
6. Learn About Nature Conservation
The holidays are the best time for you and your loved ones to learn about nature conservation. Play educational games and consider bringing in an expert for more information. Consider camping at a rewilded property, exploring trails, and visiting the local, national parks.
Sustainability is more than just a fad word. By changing your daily habits, you can do your part in protecting the planet. While holiday celebrations are supposed to be fun, they aren’t the time to be reckless. You can enjoy time with your loved ones while promoting sustainability. The above tips should help you maintain your eco-friendly lifestyle even during the holidays.
