As we enter the holiday season, you may be asking yourself, ‘how can I reduce my environmental impact, while enjoying all of my favourite traditions?’ Have no fear!
Elements staff have tips , that will make your holidays merry and bright!
Get creative with beautiful and sustainable wrapping! Get creative with your gift wrap this year by choosing reusable, or upcycled materials like jars, boxed, and fabric. Check out our favourite ideas for inspiration! https://www.treehugger.com/eco-friendly-alternatives-wrapping-paper-4858648
Regifting! Lets break the stigma around ‘regifting’. One person’s trash is another one’s treasure - before you purchase new gifts, consider what you’ve received that you haven’t used or that would make a better gift for someone else. New to regifting? Here are some helpful tips:
https://www.cbc.ca/life/holiday/how-to-regift-the-right-way-1.6677696, https://www.readersdigest.ca/home-garden/cleaning/top-ten-rules-regifting/Make memories not garbage! Have someone who is hard to buy for? How much more "stuff" do we really need? For Zero Waste Place, we encourage students to think about the entire lifecycle of their object. What is it made out of? How long will you use it for? Where will it end up once you're done with it? Often, we gift toys or products that might get used only once or twice. Instead, consider gifting consumables or experiences, a few of our favourites:
A fancy food or drink item from a local farmers market
Purchase an "experience" that you could do together
Donate to a charity in their honour (winky face …)
Adventures, such as skiing, zip lining, an escape room, etc
For more ideas, visit: http://www.metrovancouver.org/services/solid-waste/reduction-reuse/create-memories/
Recycle your tree! If you or your loved ones are putting up a tree this year, check out where you can compost trees or decorative greenery. Check out your local municipal website to find an option near you.
Adjust your thermostat! As the snow falls, we understandably respond by cranking up our thermostats. This year, get cozy with some holiday PJs, a cozy blanket and a warm drink.
Handmade decorations! Holiday decorations can often be wasteful (not to mention costly). This year, explore what crafts you can do with your family at home to repurpose or upcycle existing household items as decorations! Ideas include collecting real pinecones and branches to use like garland, or popcorn on string for tree decorations. Explore more ideas at: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/holidays/christmas-ideas/g393/homemade-christmas-ornaments/
Enjoy an eco friendly feast! While preparing all of your favorite holiday dishes, try to support local farmers that grow sustainable ingredients, opt for plant-forward dishes as much as possible, and get creative with the resulting leftovers!
Switch to LED Holiday lights! As old lights burn out, replacing with LED lights can save you around $50 on your holiday season energy bills because they use 90% less energy. Sounds like a win-win for the planet and your wallet.
Send an eco-card! As the holidays draw near, many wish to send a card to commemorate the season. But as appreciated as they are, many cards get thrown away once the holidays are over. The solution? Send an eco friendly holiday greeting card that’s made from recycled paper, upcycled artwork, or send a personalized e-card! When going the paper-route, avoid cards with glitter or other plastic attachments.
Ditch the cheap stocking stuffers! Often, stockings are filled with cheap plastic items that end up broken, lost, or discarded once the holiday season ends. Instead, fill them with delicious homemade treats and a few small, thoughtfully chosen gifts to round it out. Stockings are a fun part of the Christmas tradition, and with a little thought, they can be transformed from wasteful to awesome!
Did we miss any? Comment below or tag us on social media with your top eco-friendly Holiday tips!
