Trying to be sustainable during the holidays can feel overwhelming, especially since it’s already an overwhelming time of year for so many people. Capitalism and consumerism have changed the holidays into the most expensive time of year, which isn’t fair for anyone and it’s even worse for our planet. With the holidays right around the corner, I wanted to share a few of my own easy tips that I’ve learned over time on how to be more sustainable during this busy time of year.

Tip #1: Buy Fewer Gifts

Even though the holidays are about spending time with those we love, there is no denying that everybody looks forward to receiving and giving gifts. However, gift shopping can be hard sometimes and I think a lot of us end up buying too many gifts for those we care about and most of the gifts end up never getting used or tossed away.

My family and I realized a few years ago that we were spending way too much money around the holidays, and most of the gifts we were giving went to waste. So we started up a tradition that has made Christmas shopping sooooo much easier, and less wasteful. Instead of buying for everyone in the family we all do a randomizer of names online that assigns two people to buy gifts for each other. Then we send our assigned person a list of the top five things we want (usually within a $60 price range for each item) and then that person picks either one or two gifts from that list. This new tradition is so much fun because your family or friends receive gifts they actually want, you don’t have to shop for everyone, and it’s still a surprise to find out which gift your assigned person will buy you. Also, I’ve learned that if you keep the list down to five things people become way pickier about what they put on that list, and it ends up being items they really want rather than just a bunch of random things they are kinda interested in having.

Here are some other things to keep in mind when shopping that will help you to be less wasteful:

• Do they already own this or do they own something similar?

• Is this something they will actually use?

• Am I buying this because they will like it, or just because it’s something I like?

• Is this impulse gift buying or have I thought my gift shopping through?

• Have they mentioned anything recently that they may need or want?

• Can you find the gift secondhand rather than buying a brand-new one?

• Are there sustainable shops that sell this gift or something similar?

When you are making your own Christmas list of things you want, feel free to use the above list as a reference so you aren’t asking for things that you will end up not wanting. Also, if you have everything you need or want it’s okay to opt out of receiving things and instead ask for these things below:

• Ask for someone to donate to your favorite charity.

• Ask for an experience gift such as a massage, a night at a hotel, a movie ticket, and coupon to your favorite restaurant, etc.

• Make a new tradition of receiving or gifting food or crafts. Hand-made food or other gifts are always so special. You can find so many special and beautiful homemade gift ideas online.

When it comes to giving gifts whether you are buying them, making them, purchasing gift cards, or gifting an experience just always make sure it is something that the person will actually enjoy or use. And if you have no idea what someone may want it’s always totally fine to ask them for a Christmas list, that’s honestly the best way you can be more sustainable around the holidays when it comes to gifts.

Tip #2: Gift Wrapping, Just Use What you Have

Besides buying gifts that people don’t want, wrapping paper on presents is one of the most wasteful things at Christmas time. However, thankfully there are lots of ways to fix this issue.

This is a great video made by PBS that explains what can and can’t be recycled when it comes to wrapping paper.

First off don’t go throwing out all your rolls of wrapping paper, use what you already have even if it isn’t recyclable, and save what you can to continue reusing it every year. Also, try to use as little amount of tape as possible since most tape can not be recycled, and using small amounts of tape makes it easier to take off before recycling your wrapping paper.

When your current roll of wrapping paper runs out begin looking for more sustainable methods of gift wrapping such as;

• Newspaper

• Reuse any old boxes or packaging paper you received in the mail

• You can buy super cheap scarves at thrift stores to wrap gifts in, which can also be part of the gift.

• Instead of using plastic bows, ribbons and tags use string and natural elements to decorate your wrapping (dried oranges, cinnamon sticks, pinecones, etc)

• Use a paper-based tape that’s compostable, or learn to wrap gifts without any tape.

There are tons of videos on youtube where you can find inspiration for eco-friendly gift wrapping that looks beautiful.

I personally think that the sustainable methods of gift wrapping look much prettier than the store-bought-themed paper, and I’m excited to transition to these more sustainable methods next year.

Tip #3: Decorate With What You Love

It can be really easy to buy into current decorating trends and purchase things that you will never want to use again or purchase decor that only lasts one season, so my advice is to buy what you love. Every year I add a few bits and pieces to my holiday decor collection, but I only get things that I really love and that will last a long time (decades hopefully). A lot of my absolute favorite decor I’ve bought I’ve either found thrifting, or it’s a piece that I saved and preserved from my childhood. And when you purchase something new make sure it’s because you love it and not because it is what’s trending at the moment. Also, make sure to carefully and properly store away your decor each year so it all lasts a very long time.

Tip #4: Try Not to Waste too Much Food

Okay, I am very guilty about this one. I always overbuy food for my holiday parties and then end up either not being able to give it away or I’m not able to eat it fast enough after a week or two goes by. Try the best you can to consider the number of people you need to feed and how much they will actually eat. If you’re still not sure and are worried about not having enough food then try to consider snacks or recipes that you will actually want to keep eating afterward, and food that may last longer as well. And never be shy about asking your family and friends if they want any leftovers.

These are just a few simple habits to adopt over the holiday season that have positive impacts on our planet. Our planet gives us so much of itself over the holidays, it is overdue that we also start incorporating eco-friendly practices into our own holiday traditions. If you have any other great eco-friendly advice around this magical time of year feel free to comment below or send me a private message.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!