Top Tips for a Sustainable Holiday
Another year has passed and the holiday rush is in full swing. As you start to plan your decorations, presents, and meals, we're challenging you to take a moment and think to yourself - do I really need all of this stuff?
While everyone is busy planning their holiday celebrations, the environment is preparing for something much worse - the waste. It is estimated that each Canadian throws away about 50 kilograms or 110 pounds of garbage over the holidays.
Now, this is only how much garbage we throw away, think about the energy used to keep your lights on all night or the increase in carbon emissions to ship gifts all over the world. We produce a shocking amount of waste over the holiday season and sometimes tend to go a little overboard with things we don’t need. This is the season of giving, so this year why don’t we give the planet a little more love while still enjoying the festivities?
Let's take a look at some sustainable options to turn your holiday season a little greener.
Gift Services Instead of Goods
The gift of services often requires little to no natural resources. Plus, they make a very thoughtful and memorable gift! Send your mom for a massage or your friend to the movies. It shows you are thinking of them personally and avoids gifting them with items they will never use.
Minimize Packaging or opt for Eco-Friendly
Gifting a scarf? Wrap the rest of the present with that scarf for a fun print and a great way to avoid wasteful wrapping paper. Fabric can make a great option for wrapping presents. Check out the Furoshiki method for a creative way to wrap your presents.
Shop Local or Sustainable
Instead of shipping gifts all across the world, shop for presents right in your city. Not only does this support your community, but it also reduces carbon emissions from shipping. Our brand new HYON Shop has some great second-hand gift options for loved ones and is a very sustainable option.
Plan Meals and Take Inventory of What You Have
The less you buy, the less you waste. Knowing exactly what you need for your meals is a great way to reduce overbuying. If you still have excess food at the end of your celebrations, why not donate a meal or some holiday treats to brighten someone else's holiday.
As you can see, there are many ways to achieve a sustainable holiday season that don’t require giving up certain traditions. What’s more, you’re helping the environment by using reusable items, buying locally grown products, and not purchasing bags or wrapping paper that will inevitably end up in landfills. And while adopting some or all of these strategies may seem daunting at first, know that your small efforts will add up and they’ll ultimately make your holidays more enjoyable along the way.
Wishing you and your loved ones a very happy and sustainable holiday season from all of us at HYON!
-Kate