How to be environmentally friendly during Christmas?

Christmas is quickly approaching, and preparations are in full swing, but while it is the most wonderful time of the year, it is not the most environmentally friendly. Traditional peak consumption occurs during the holiday season, when we go all out on gifts and food to impress our guests.

Every year, approximately $48 million in unwanted Christmas presents and 108 million rolls of wrapping paper are discarded in landfills, according to GWP Group. Many gifts, however, are genuine expressions of thoughtfulness. Local craft fairs and artisan shops are excellent places to find gifts that do not incur additional transportation costs. And because the artisan and the origin of the gift are known, gifts made locally often have a story to go with them. Utilizing recycled materials, many individuals and small businesses have created fantastic products. Consider the materials used to make gifts and keep the environment in mind.

Deforestation in tropical regions is primarily caused by food production. We're encouraged to eat, drink, and be merry during the holiday season, but all of that excess results in a lot of waste. Plan ahead for your Christmas dinner to make it more sustainable, and try to resist the temptation of multi-buy discounts and offers that could lead you to overspend.

Try to reduce waste by being proactive. Toys inside Christmas crackers are frequently made of plastic, and many of them are not recyclable. Instead, search for FSC-approved crackers. Another excellent choice are DIY reusable crackers. While doing some research, we came across the novel idea of self-filling them with personalized holiday favors and sustainable options.

LED lights are more energy efficient, last longer, and look just as good as traditional lights. Also, turn off your lights at night; it's safer and less expensive. Upcycling old decorations can help you save money. Make your own out of scrap materials lying around the house. Wear clothes you already own this year to make a more sustainable choice. If you can't find anything to wear, ask your friends or family. You could also shop at thrift stores for new Christmas party attire.

Many artificial Christmas trees are made of plastic and are not recyclable, having a tenfold greater environmental impact than a real tree. If you choose a real Christmas tree, never dispose of it after the holiday season. Christmas trees can even be rented online. Even though artificial trees can be reused, the manufacturing and shipping processes consume resources. Since real trees are better for the environment, they are preferred as eco-friendly Christmas tree options.

Make thoughtful clothing choices and avoid fast fashion during the holiday season. Choose brands that are consciously moving toward slow fashion and responsible craftsmanship. One of the most common reasons for adding new items to our closets is the holiday season. It's difficult to say no to some indulgent purchases, from new sweater dresses and seasonal sales to collections of shimmering shoes that look like foot ornaments. If you can't afford to buy new clothes, taking care of your current ones is a huge step in the right direction. Invest time in making garments that last longer. You can make a significant dent in the mountains of discarded clothing that end up in the ocean and landfills every year. Instead of purchasing a new holiday outfit this year, why not rent one, use a clothing swapping app, or reuse an existing one?

The choice is yours: embrace sustainability this holiday season or let the planet destroy itself.

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