Christmas 2023: Tips for a zero-waste celebration
There is no denying the fact that one of the most wonderful aspects of Christmas is the joy of giving. With that, giving back to the environment by breaking free from mindless consumerism and forming more sustainable habits is the most thoughtful way of celebrating this "merry" festival. Here are some zero-waste tips that will make a big difference during this Holiday season.
Get an eco tree
Instead of buying fake, plastic-made Christmas trees, rent a real one from your local supplier which can prevent waste and make your celebrations more "natural." Once the festivities are over, you can plant it in your garden. You can even create your own DIY Christmas tree with upcycled materials like used glass bottles, driftwood, old wooden pallets, and potted plants.
Offer gifts that are edible or last longer
Stuff reusable glass jars with homemade goodies like candied nuts, biscotti, chocolate truffles, granola, or dehydrated fruits to give as gifts. This not only makes for a thoughtful offering but also promotes zero-waste and sustainability. For an added touch, adorn these glass jars with flowers, leaves, and other eco-friendly Christmas decor items to make them extra special.
Don't use gift wraps
Although gift wraps are attractive, they are inappropriate because they contribute to the uprooting of multiple trees for production. What good are these wraps anyway, and why even use them when they will ultimately end up in the trash? A more suitable option is to use reusable cloth for wrapping presents or opt for recyclable wrapping paper instead.
Use eco-friendly decor items
Make every effort to reduce the amount of plastic waste that is produced during the holiday season, as your decorations are one more significant source. Opt for locally sourced items whenever possible. Alternatively, consider crafting your decor using natural, eco-friendly materials at home, like making a star with twigs or cinnamon sticks and twine. This will help you spend a zero-waste Holiday season.
Ensure that you don't waste food
A significant amount of food is wasted during this time as we often overestimate how much food we will need and wind up throwing most of it away. This time, remember to use up your leftovers or figure out how much food you will need before buying. To reduce packaging waste, opt for home-cooked meals instead of store-bought ones.
