Originally shared on December 18, 2013
The fact so many people are thinking about other people at this time of year makes the holiday season a special one. Nevertheless, I often look at the culture of consumerism which fills the days from Thanksgiving through New Years and can’t help but feel bittersweet about how much waste is produced in such a short period.
True, much of it can probably be recycled but at the end of the day most of it won’t which means an annual environmentally challenging moment is upon us again.
That’s why with winter break in motion one thing students can do with a little bit of their extra time is help family and friends make less of an impact on the world so it’s a greener holiday season. Some suggestions include the following:
- Reusables: Are you hosting people for holiday meals? If so try sticking to reusable cutlery and tableware. It may mean a little extra work cleaning everything up but at the end of the day you’ll be doing a great service by not sending more plastic to a landfill.
- Biodegradables: If going with reusables is just too much consider buying disposables which are biodegradable like those made from corn. You’ll still be producing waste but at least it will disintegrate in the ground quickly as opposed to a plastic fork which can sit in the earth for hundreds of years.
- The gift of repairing: Still weighing what gifts to get? If there’s something special your loved one or close friend needs repaired like a broken guitar or missing necklace clasp this is an ideal way to bring sustainability and gift giving together.
- Order online: Instead of sitting in traffic or driving around burning gasoline find what you’re looking for online and have it delivered. Encouraging other friends in the neighborhood to do the same will cut down on exhaust pollution and may even get you a discount when ordering in bulk.
- Buy local: Buying gifts made by local artisans supports that industry and lowers demand for other items with a bigger carbon footprint which need to be shipped in from out of state.
- Wrapping paper: Instead of buying wrapping paper make your own from things around the house. Some ideas include old photographs, posters, or newsprint.
- Digital cards: There’s no need to send cards via snail mail. Today digital cards are totally acceptable and not only will they be sent and received instantly but can be downloaded and saved easily for years to come.
- Choose organic: With so much of the fruits and vegetables we eat sprayed with pesticides that harm our eco-system and our bodies, there’s no better time to enjoy pesticide-free produce than when celebrating with family and friends.
- The tree: If you’re one of the many people who opt for an authentic tree in their home instead of an artificial one, repurpose the branches in the yard as mulch, wood chips, or for compost.
- Recycle: Finally, although this was already mentioned it can never be repeated enough! Whether it’s paper, plastic, or glass recycle whatever you can, as doing so cuts down on the waste going to the dump and turns your trash into something useful. At the end of the day recycling makes the holiday season that much more meaningful.
Jakob Barry of Pearlclasp.com is a green-living journalist and DIY enthusiast who writes about practical tips for improving quality of life. From restringing pearls with diamonds to sewing up an old sweater, Jakob Barry enjoys opportunities for reusing and repurposing items around the home and believes taking a minimalist approach to life is one of the best ways of reducing stress.