How to celebrate the holidays in eco-friendly style

The festive season is a time of joy and generosity, but it’s also a time of excess and waste – just think of piles of discarded gift wrap, uneaten food, and single-use decorations. 

While the celebrations are meant to bring people together, they often come at a cost to the planet, however, with a few thoughtful changes, you can enjoy the holidays while reducing waste and making a positive impact on the environment.

Here’s a simple guide to celebrating the season sustainably whilst maintaining all the joy of the season:

1. Rethink Gift-Wrapping

Traditional wrapping paper often contains glitter, plastic or coatings that make it unrecyclable. The good news is that there are plenty of sustainable - and stylish  - alternatives and, if you make a point of saving gift bags, ribbons and wrapping paper from this year to reuse next holiday season, gift wrapping will be that much easier next time.

• Upcycle Materials: Use newspapers, old maps or magazine pages to wrap gifts. These add a creative and personal touch while reusing items you already have.
• Fabric Wraps: Embrace the Japanese art of furoshiki by using reusable fabric squares or scarves to wrap presents. These wraps become part of the gift and eliminate waste entirely.
• Natural Decorations: Replace plastic bows with biodegradable alternatives like twine, dried orange slices, sprigs of rosemary or pinecones for a rustic, festive look.
• Recyclable Paper: If you prefer traditional wrapping, choose plain kraft paper, which can be easily recycled and decorated with stamps or hand-drawn designs.

2. Choose Meaningful, Sustainable Gifts

Gift-giving is a cornerstone of the holidays, but it doesn’t have to mean buying items that end up unused or thrown away. Opt for meaningful, sustainable gifts that align with your loved ones’ values. 

• Experience-Based Gifts: Give experiences rather than physical items, such as concert tickets, cooking classes, or memberships to local attractions. These gifts create lasting memories without generating waste.

• Eco-Friendly Products: Look for gifts made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo, recycled plastic or organic cotton. Consider practical items like reusable water bottles, beeswax wraps or solar-powered gadgets.
• Homemade Gifts: Handmade gifts, such as baked goods, candles or personalised crafts, show thoughtfulness and reduce the environmental footprint associated with mass production.
• Charitable Donations: Make a donation to a cause your recipient cares about in their name. Whether it’s supporting wildlife conservation or feeding those in need, this gift has a positive ripple effect.

3. Host a Low-Waste Holiday Feast

Holiday meals are often marked by overindulgence and leftover food that goes to waste. With a little planning, you can serve a delicious, sustainable meal that minimises waste.

• Plan Portions Carefully: Use online portion calculators to determine how much food you’ll need based on the number of guests. This reduces the likelihood of excessive leftovers.
• Shop Locally: Source ingredients from local farmers' markets or shops. Local produce not only supports your community but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods.
• Vegetarian Options: Incorporate plant-based dishes into your menu. Even replacing one meat dish with a vegetarian option can significantly lower the environmental impact of your meal.
• Compost Food Scraps: Set up a compost bin for vegetable peels, fruit scraps, and other organic waste generated during meal prep.

4. Decorate Sustainably

Holiday decorations set the mood for the season, but many store-bought items are made from non-recyclable materials and are often discarded after a single use. Switch to eco-friendly décor for a greener celebration.

• Natural Elements: Decorate with items from nature, such as pine branches, acorns or fresh flowers. These are biodegradable and add a timeless charm to your home.
• DIY Décor: Craft your own decorations using upcycled materials, such as ornaments made from old fabric or garlands created from dried fruit slices.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace traditional string lights with LED lights, which use significantly less energy and last longer. Set them on a timer to conserve electricity.
• Rent or Borrow: For larger decorative items or tableware, consider renting or borrowing instead of buying new.

5. Embrace a Mindful Holiday Mindset

Sustainability isn’t just about what you buy or use, it’s also about how you approach the holidays. A mindful mindset can help you focus on what truly matters while reducing waste and excess.

• Simplify Your Celebrations: Scale back on extravagant plans that lead to unnecessary waste. A smaller, more intimate gathering can be just as meaningful.
• Give the Gift of Time: Spend quality time with loved ones by baking cookies together, going for a hike or volunteering as a group. These experiences create lasting memories without material excess.
• Encourage Recycling: Set up clearly labelled recycling bins for guests to dispose of wrapping paper, bottles, and cans responsibly.

6. Small Changes, Big Impact

While the idea of a fully sustainable holiday may feel daunting, remember that even small changes can add up. Here are a few easy swaps to consider:

• Use rechargeable batteries for electronic gifts.
• Send e-cards instead of paper cards.
• Wrap gifts in reusable totes or jars.
• Opt for potted plants instead of cut flowers as hostess gifts.

Each small step contributes to a greener, more mindful celebration.

7. Involve Your Guests

Sustainability is easier when it’s a shared effort. Encourage your friends and family to join you in your eco-friendly initiatives.

• Gift Guidelines: If you’re hosting a gift exchange, suggest sustainable themes like “homemade gifts” or “second hand treasures.”
• Potluck with Purpose: For holiday dinners, ask guests to bring dishes in reusable containers to minimize disposable packaging.
• Swap Traditions: Instead of buying new decorations or party outfits, organise a swap where guests can exchange items they no longer use.

Celebrating the holidays sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing joy or tradition - it’s about finding creative, thoughtful ways to honour the season while caring for the planet. By rethinking your approach to gift-giving, meals, and décor, you can reduce waste and inspire others to do the same.

This festive season, let’s celebrate the spirit of giving by giving back to the earth. Together, small changes can lead to a brighter, greener future for everyone.