12.22: Reducing Waste Over the Holidays

Climate Tip 12.22

Happy Holidays! This month I am going to write about how to be thoughtful about your impact on the Earth and reduce your waste these holidays. No matter what you celebrate you can be helping the environment the whole way through. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s waste increases by 25% to 43%. Not only should we work to reduce this, but it is an opportunity to create good habits for the years ahead. 

In my family, we celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas, and one big part of Christmas is presents. We try to reuse old newspapers and decorate paper bags to wrap with because wrapping paper can be extremely wasteful. Every year my family decorates a tree outside with fruits we have dried for the birds and critters in memory of my grandpa. You could also participate in the Christmas Bird Count which is a community science project put on annually by the National Audubon Society. Traditions like these can be meaningful without producing waste. The biggest contributor to holiday waste is food, so if you have a big feast or potluck, encourage people to bring containers to take home leftovers and freeze food for later. Reusing holiday decorations and lights and buying second-hand when you need replacements can cut down on waste. 

When it comes to gift giving, there are many ways to keep the environment and your carbon footprint in mind. Making a contribution to an organization that helps animals, the environment, or people who need support can be just as thoughtful a gift as something purchased. Tickets to plays or musical performances can also be meaningful and less harmful to the environment. Buying locally reduces all the fossil fuels used for shipping. Another great gift is something environmentally friendly such as solar powered phone chargers or a reusable water bottle. No matter how you celebrate this season, try to make it a less wasteful season this year.