Sustainably Holiday Season - Here's how

The holiday season is a festive time with family and friends – but at what cost? These festivities often create enormous amounts of waste around-the world, doubling the amount that ends up in the landfill. We’ve compiled a list of ideas on how you can still enjoy the holidays and celebrate sustainably!

1. Shop local

This means that there is less shipping of items (less waste!) from the time it’s made to the time it gets into your hands. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses that thrive off your patronage and just is a great way to give back during the holiday season.

2. Use energy efficient LED lights

This great for decorating as well as general usage. This will cut down greatly on your household’s overall energy expenditure, and LED lights will also usually last longer. Put your lights on a timer to save even more energy. Also, consider enjoying a few candlelit dinners! It makes for great memories, whether for a special family holiday tradition or a romantic dinner for two.

3. Reuse bags and tissue paper

When shopping for gift-wrapping or cards, look for items that are made from recycled paper. More specifically, look for those that read, “100 percent recycled materials,” or as high a percentage of “post-consumer recycled materials” as you can find. While these wrappings tend to be more expensive, they are significantly thicker and sturdier, making them a wise choice for those who need to transport gifts to another location.