Waste Reduction Over the Holidays

The holiday season brings joy but also a significant increase in waste, with U.S. household garbage rising by 25% from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, resulting in an additional 1 million tons of waste.

As the holiday season approaches, it's a great time to integrate waste reduction into the holiday season. Here are some ways to green your winter holiday celebrations:

• Prioritize Experiences: Gift experiences like outdoor adventures, concert tickets, dance or cooking classes to create lasting memories instead of adding to material clutter.
• Support Local: Choose gifts from local artisans, small shops and pop up markets.
• Smart Online Shopping: Consolidate purchases and choose retailers with minimal or eco-friendly packaging to make environmentally conscious choices.
• Focus on Quality: High-quality, practical gifts that last longer, reducing waste and the need for replacements.
• Thrift Store Treasures: Find unique gifts at thrift stores and vintage shops, supporting sustainability while offering one-of-a-kind items.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Use LED lights for decorations to save energy and enjoy a longer lifespan.
• Reusable Wrap: Choose cloth bags or fabric wraps over non-recyclable wrapping paper.
• DIY Wrapping: Create your own wrapping paper from old maps, sheet music, or children's artwork for a personal touch.
• Composting and Reusables: Set up a composting station for food scraps and use reusable dinnerware and cloth napkins. Store leftovers in reusable containers to minimize plastic waste. Check out the reusable kit through the Environmental Center.