Not looking forward to the chaos and crazy spending that often accompanies the holidays? Well…we’ve got some great tips for how to simplify and downsize your upcoming celebrations…and you might just find you enjoy the season a whole lot more!
- If buying a Christmas tree, choose a live tree from a local seller: Live ones are better for the environment because they can be recycled into mulch. Living in Sault Ste. Marie, we have easy access to local trees…minimal shipping emissions! Artificial trees are not recyclable, will eventually end up in the landfill, and may contain harmful substances (such as lead or chemicals called pthalates) that can be released into your home as the plastic begins to deteriorate.
2. Focus on experiences rather than things: The greatest gifts you can give your family are fun experiences and warm memories. Long after memories of gifts fades, loved ones will remember how the holidays made them feel. Focus on spending time together — decorating, baking, wrapping, crafting, sledding, skiing, playing games, etc. — rather than on spending.
3. Buy smart:
- Buy less: Make a plan for what you will spend and stick to it. If you have a plan, you are less likely to overspend.
- Buy thrift: Consider making a pact with your family that at least a portion of the gift giving should come from thrift stores. Buying gently used can help save the planet. Have some fun with it! How about having a contest to see who can find the weirdest thrift store gift?
- Buy local: Purchase local gifts from local artisans, farmers markets, holiday bazaars, etc.
- Buy quality: Avoid dollar stores and fast fashion especially. Buy fewer, quality items that will last longer. Quality over quantity!
- Buy for those in need instead: Donate to a local charity in a loved one’s name; as a family, collect and donate items for Christmas cheer; buy a goat or a well for a family in a Third World country.
4. Make gifts: The web has thousands of ideas for inexpensive homemade gifts for a range of skill levels. Anyone can make Mason jar cookie or soup starter kits! Many simple games and ornaments can be made out of materials such as wood, lake rocks, popsicle sticks, etc. Or start an indoor herb garden for a loved one.
5. Choose alternatives to wrapping paper: Start collecting brown paper bags, cut them up, and decorate them with stencils or markers. Or look for drawstring cloth gift bags that can be reused countless times. Use natural package decorations. Make your own gift tags.
6. Avoid plastic, especially glitter and single use plastics. Glitter is a disaster…it’s made up of little bits of plastic that will end up in our lakes and streams — and even our bodies. Single-use plastic plates, cups, cutlery and straws are ecologically disastrous so go metal or compostable paper (no coloured inks or glossy finish) instead…or at least use reusable plastic.
7. Plan holiday meals carefully to avoid waste: Remember, organic matter that goes into the landfill can end up producing methane as it breaks down, and methane is a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide is. Consider making one less dish and donating an equivalent amount of food to a food bank. If you must use disposable partyware, at least make it compostable (paper, bamboo). More on waste-free events
What are your ideas for green holidays? We’d like to hear them!
