5 Ways to Make the Holiday Season More Sustainable
5 Ways to Make the Holiday Season More Sustainable
It’s easier than you might think.
As we enter the holiday season, you may wonder how to make this year a little more sustainable for you and your family. With so many ads on social media for new decorations, products, and fun gift ideas, it can be overwhelming to figure out the most environmentally friendly choice. Fortunately, BU Sustainability has got you covered!
Here are five helpful tips to make your holiday festivities in your apartment, dorm, or back home with family greener and less wasteful.
1. Reuse Decorations
It seems simple enough but reusing decorations from previous years or DIYing from things you already have helps reduce waste. Whenever you order new decorations (no matter what you are celebrating), they often come in non-recyclable packagings, such as film plastics. Also, shipping something to you adds to your carbon footprint because of the impacts associated with transportation.
2. Incorporate Nature
Adding pinecones, twigs, and berries to your decorations can add an au naturel feel to your holiday celebrations. If you’re able to, go on a mini-foraging adventure and find a few things lying on the ground – don’t go plucking whole branches off trees – and bring these items inside and come up with some DIY holiday crafts with the items you find outside.
3. Eco-Friendly Packaging and Shop Local
Many businesses today ship with sustainable packaging or give you the option to do so. Some common examples of that are corrugated cardboard or biodegradable pouches. When possible, avoid packaging that includes styrofoam, film plastic, or bubble wrap, as these are items you cannot regularly and easily recycle. Also, when looking for gifts, shop local. You help small businesses and reduce associated waste & carbon emissions. Take it one step further and purchase experiential gifts for your loved ones, like tickets to an event, concert, or movie.
4. Get Creative with Wrapping
Who needs wrapping paper when you already have perfectly useful paper goods and gift bags at home? It’s easy to give old gift bags new life. An easy way to do that is by making gift wrap filler and stuffing paper from old newspapers and magazines at home. All you need is a pair of scissors!
5. When Using Lights Go LED
Many holiday lights use incandescent bulbs; instead, transition your lights to LED bulbs. The good thing about LED bulbs is that they are more energy efficient and have a longer life span, so although they may be a bit more expensive, you will get more bang for your buck.
Happy Holidays! 🌲☃️♻️
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