The holidays are a time to reflect, celebrate and spread joy! This year will look a little bit different in that we are asked to keep social events small in light of COVID-19. Celebrating within your household can still be meaningful and waste conscious. Whatever holiday you choose to celebrate, consider:
- Food waste; plan meals, be thoughtful with leftovers, use what you have.
- Environmentally friendly and reused wrapping paper.
- Choosing gift limits to decrease consumerism and package waste.
- Making gifts from household or nature. Some ideas for the whole family.
- Gifting safe experiences. Check out this local light display event from your vehicle!
- Picking quality decorations that will last several seasons.
- Donating unwanted holiday items to a local charity.
- Gifting an annual subscription or membership to a streaming service.
- Recycling right-make sure you know what goes where.
Making memories like building gingerbread houses, going sledding, decorating cookies and making an event within your household about decorating are important joy spreading, low-waste activities to help celebrate the holidays.
Choosing to buy local is also an important measure in reducing waste. Many local businesses offer local curbside pick up or e-gift certificate options. While buying online from giant retailers is enticing, there are many waste costs from transportation to packaging.
Whatever holidays you celebrate this year, be safe, have fun and find joy in unexpected places while remembering to reduce waste.
