Vacations, in general, can be a time of stress and a rush to get things done. One way to be more deliberate and careful this vacation and travel time is to be consciously more sustainable. Sustainable holidays can be good for you and your family’s health, save you money, and contribute to less cleaning, which usually alleviates some of the stress associated with this time of year.
Here are 10 easy ways to be more sustainable this holiday season:
Recycle wrapping paper and gift boxes
One of the 3 Rs to reduce waste, recycle paper gift wrapping and boxes! Recycling wrapping paper and gift boxes can save trees, money and energy. On the other hand, you can reuse the new ones you get and the old ones that are already stored in your house, or you can throw them in the trash.
Recycling wrapping paper and gift boxes in the dump will reduce the amount of landfills we have and the carbon emissions that are released into the atmosphere. One ton of paper is equivalent to 17 trees (absorbing up to 250 pounds of emitted CO2).
led christmas lights
Or solar powered lights with an auto-off timer so you don’t forget! These lights last longer and are more energy efficient than traditional Christmas lights. LED lights are proven to save up to 75% energy (saving you money) and last 25 times longer. Plus, they’re safer to use as they don’t overheat as much as traditional Christmas lights, and they can be used for the next 40 holidays!
give an experience
Due to the COVID pandemic, our experiences are limited. But that doesn’t have to stop us from getting things done this holiday season, as long as we stay safe, maintain social distance, and plan ahead. There are so many gift ideas that don’t need to be thrown away, like gift cards, gift certificates, upcoming shows or even a gym in a place that requires social distance.
reusable bags
Going Christmas shopping? Instead of the store giving you plastic to carry your items, choose to buy a reusable bag or bring your own. Plastic is harmful to the environment as well as to us and animals. They contain chemicals that are absorbed by our bodies and especially the environment, where they can sink into our groundwater! Not only that, but plastic can ingest, harm and poison marine life.
Gift of used or saved items
Also, part of the 3 Rs, reuse! There are many new or brand new items you can find as protectors! And if anything, many people love vintage items, especially if you tag on a rare one. Stores like Goodwill or Texas Thrift offer a variety of them, but there are also online stores that sell second-hand items like Poshmark, Craigslist or eBay. In this way, waste is reduced and demand for manufactured items is reduced, which means less money and less energy for companies to emit.
do it yourself
“Do it yourself” – it’s more sincere, you know what’s going on and you can buy in bulk, which makes it cheaper! There are many creative ideas, especially those that promote health and safety. A DIY idea is a COVID safety kit, such as medications, thermometers, vitamins and masks. Another health promoting kit might be a workout kit, which includes resistance bands, jump ropes, sweat pads, treadmills and more.
Invest in a real tree
Investing in a real tree saves you from buying an artificial tree that has traveled thousands of miles, emits carbon emissions and is made with harmful chemicals as they are made from plastic and dyes. Cutting down a real tree might look bad, but they are grown specifically for the holidays. Buying a real tree keeps local tree growers’ businesses running and they are also recyclable and compostable, meaning they can be returned to the ground to create new life.
Organic and locally grown food
An eco-friendly way to make a Christmas dinner, this is a way to reduce your carbon footprint and that of your family. Buying products close to home, rather than one that travels thousands of miles, uses less energy and releases less carbon emissions. Not only that, but most local farmers grow products and meat that are sustainable and by buying from them you are supporting small local businesses, especially if they have been severely affected by the pandemic.
Reusable cutlery and utensils.
Reduce your carbon footprint and landfill waste by using your regular household glass, ceramic or reusable dishes and utensils at parties. You’ll avoid the hassle of filling trash with plastic that will be dumped in the landfill and will harm marine life and the environment.
go out for a walk
Instead of driving, which also contributes to pollution, try taking a walk. You can enjoy a breath of fresh air and get some exercise after that hearty holiday meal. The best part is that you don’t have to do it yourself and the holiday lights are off so you can be with your family, admire the lights and support sustainability.
By HealthFitness Revolution. Article in English
