Sustainable tips for the holiday season
‘Tis the season to waste less!
Holiday cheer is getting into swing among the Ridwell community, but the amount of waste created during these joyful times looms over many of us. With everything else going on, making sustainable holiday choices can feel out of reach.
We believe that being sustainable shouldn’t need to be stressful, which is why we’ve called in Ridwell team member Lauren Sanner for some help! Lauren is a Ridwell Member Success Specialist and waste-less champion, with experience working at Western Washington University’s Office of Sustainability and Recycle Center to improve sustainability initiatives on campus. Here are her favorite simple tips to help you waste less this holiday season!
Let’s celebrate!
Reusable plates and silverware
Many of us are bound to share a meal with loved ones over the holiday season, and coordinating a meal for everyone is a big responsibility! Not everything has to be on you. In order to cut back on waste, elect a buddy or family member to help with dishes so you don’t have to use paper plates or plastic utensils. Not only will you waste less, but your dining set up will be love at frost sight. Oh… and using cloth napkins as opposed to paper? That would be icing on the yule log (ok I’ll stop now).
BYOM
(Bring Your Own Mug)
Whether you happen to be going to an outdoor event, taking a stroll downtown to see the festive lights, or going to a tree farm, bring your favorite travel mug! You never know when there will be free hot cocoa, and travel mugs are a longer lasting, more sustainable hand warmer than a paper cup.
“What tree-mendous decorations!”
Switch to LED
If you are in the market for new lights, consider opting for LEDs, which use 90% less energy than traditional bulbs. If you find out that your current lights aren’t so merry and bright (yes… even if you bought them only like 3 years ago), don’t fret! Keep an eye out for our holiday lights featured category. Your city might even have a recycling program, too!
Compostable decor
Haven’t you heard? Compostable decor is all the rage. Not only is it easy to add to your compost bin, but some of it is even tasty! Here are some of my favorites:
Baked oranges with star anise
DIY wreath or garland
Amaryllis plants or poinsettias
Now presenting….
Fabric wrapping
Wrapping gifts with fabric is not only beautiful, but creates no waste! No need to go out and buy new fabric either. You can simply use your favorite scarf - just make sure to let the recipient know if you want your scarf back :)
For bigger or funky shaped items, you could also invest in some good quality bags or boxes which can be reused for years to come.
Skip the glitz
If you’re needing to buy new wrapping paper, gift bags, or boxes this year, make sure to avoid ones with glitter or metallic foil! I know… they are SO cute, but sadly are non-recyclable and might also contaminate the rest of the items in your recycling bin :(
Pro tip: For a super easy and fun DIY, make your own gift tags out of recycling scraps or last year’s holiday cards!
Think outside the gift box
Regifting
As someone passionate about sustainability, one thing I would love to end is the stigma around regifting. The chances you have something you use very little that someone else would love are higher than you think! Yes, give them the gift card you didn’t use, the high quality sweater you wore only once… maybe just not your prized Monstera.
Gifts without boxes
Chances are if you’re passionate about wasting less, others around you are too. Or maybe you have a family member who insists that “your gift is not buying me anything.” For these precious individuals in our lives, there are so many options! You could donate in their honor to a cause that resonates, take them on an adventure to a state park, or give them a gift card to their favorite local business!
If you have a special kiddo in your life, there are so many gifts to get them excited about the world around them. A membership to a zoo or museum, a terrarium, or a science kit might unlock a newfound passion!
Giving back
In my personal opinion, there’s no way to over-give, and I don’t mean financially. Whether you have time, a helping hand, money, or warmth to provide, you can always make someone else’s day. Some ideas are: volunteering at a food bank, buying a gift on your favorite organization’s wish list, donating mutual aid funds, preparing a warm meal to share, or making someone a blanket!
Let’s wrap this up
Sustainability is best practiced imperfectly by all of us rather than perfectly by a few. Whether you are just starting to make changes, or feel like you know your stuff, you can rest assured you’re on the planet’s nice list.
Happy holidays, everyone!
Not a Ridwell member yet? Join Ridwell today! Or, if you’re already a member, spread the cheer by sharing these tips with your friends and family. Use the social media buttons below to share this blog post and help others on their journey to waste less!
