The holiday season is a celebratory and joyful time of year. Most of us choose to spend the season with loved ones in a spirit of generosity and gratitude, enjoying the gift of good company. But the holiday season is also a wasteful time of year. A time of year where much attention is placed on giving to each other and little attention is placed on giving care and gratitude to the Earth. This bit of truth does not have to be something that derails our festive spirit. Rather, it can be a catalyst to green up your Christmas a bit. Here are our suggestions and tips to help you have a more sustainable holiday.
When it comes to presents, we have so many more options than some plastic item wrapped in paper. Green up your holiday gifting by avoiding gifting things that are just making a pitstop on their way to the landfill? Consider gifting an experience or a service instead of a thing. Preferably, one that's low impact. Challenge yourself to only purchase gifts, cards, and wrapping materials made from recycled products and/or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified papers? Give to a cause for a better future in the name of that someone you love. And don’t forget, love and kindness are the most sustainable of all gifts. A warm smile can and does change a person’s day, and sometimes it changes their life. Extending your kindness with sincere generosity of spirit is not only sustainable for the Earth, but it also sustains others.
When planning holiday meals be conscientious of where your food is coming from. Factory farming and the crop export/import industry are some of the largest polluters in the world. Industrial livestock farming is one of the main contributors to soil erosion around the world. Regenerative farming and ranching practices exist and are becoming more common. Knowing where your food comes from means knowing why to purchase from regenerative and local producers as often as possible, and then doing it. This means you will eat seasonally, and close to home while contributing to regenerative practices on sustainable farms and ranches. That’s a lot good eating for the holidays and year-round.
As for aesthetic, i.e., décor and attire, the age-old rule applies. Less is more. Less plastic. Less electricity. Less shopping. Less sequins. Less Trash. Those stringy tinsels sure are pretty but they are a major polluter. Consider ribbon instead of tinsel. It can be used again and again year after year. Or even better, string some popcorn and cranberries and then throw them in the compost when the tree comes down. For outfit inspiration dig deep into your closet. Should it leave you wanting, see what you may be able to borrow from others. If you must buy, shop consignment and second hand. The clothing industry is the second largest polluter in the world behind petroleum. Reducing our consumption and reusing as many articles of our clothing as possible, we can greatly reduce our contribution to an already gargantuan problem.
Did you know that you can cut down trees in a sustainable manner? Yes. Yes, you can. Especially if your friends live in the forest and have no defendable fire break around their homes. Help them out, cut down a couple of dangerous evergreens and chop up some firewood while you're at it. And as for the tree you cut down to decorate, make that one into firewood too when it’s through brightening up your home. Of course you can also get a live tree to plant after the holidays are done, that is a very green option. Just don’t plant it too close to the house when it’s time to plant, especially if you live in a wooded area.
The most important tip we can give you to help you have a sustainable holiday is to remember the airline safety rule and put your own mask on before assisting others. Take care of yourself. Take care so that you can enjoy the entire holiday season. And, if you need us, we’re here to help you with all of your laundering needs.