Ah, the holiday season—it’s the time of year when joy fills the air, homes light up with decorations, and family and friends gather to celebrate. But if we’re being real here, it’s also a time when we’re more wasteful than ever, from the trash we produce to the energy we consume. It’s crazy to think that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, household waste jumps by a whopping 25%! Yeah, that’s a lot of wrapping paper, packaging, and disposable items making their way to landfills.

The good news? There are super easy ways we can still have our holiday cake and eat it too—by greening up our festivities. Imagine enjoying your holiday traditions while also showing the planet some love. And, bonus, you might save a few bucks in the process. Here’s how we can transform our holiday habits with some simple, eco-friendly tweaks.

First up, let’s chat about gift-giving. Let’s be honest: how many times have we gotten or given gifts that end up unusable or worse, on the landfill express? It’s a thing. Instead, how about going the smart route and gifting reusable and durable items? A high-quality thermos, a chic canvas tote, or even a cool solar-powered gadget can do the trick. Handmade gifts also make a comeback—homemade cookies or a knitted scarf? Yes, please! And don’t sleep on gifting experiences. A couple of movie tickets or a spa day can be just as exciting, without creating waste.

Now, think about all the packaging that comes with online shopping. It’s daunting. Online purchases dish out around 4.8 times more packaging waste than going to the store. So, hunting down gifts with minimal packaging or items sold in bulk can curb this madness. If you get something wrapped up excessively, do your part and recycle. Reuse wrapping paper from last year or use cloth bags that can be, yep, reused.

Decorations are another big part of the holiday vibe, but annual trips to the store for more tinsel and baubles? Not necessary. Dig out what you already have. If you need more pizzazz, how about making some DIY decorations from stuff you have around the house? Evergreen branches, pinecones, and even cinnamon sticks can make your place smell and look festive. If buying is unavoidable, hit the thrift shop for some vintage finds. And shout out to natural Christmas trees—they’re better for the air and wildlife and can be turned into mulch after the festivities are over. Give artificial trees a pass; they don’t quite break down well.

Feast-mode during the holidays can lead to a mountain of food waste. Let’s sidestep that by careful meal planning. Use online tools or apps to decide how much food you really need, and write a shopping list to keep it on lock. Choose items with less packaging and maybe give more plant-based dishes a shot—they’re gentler on the planet. Use your leftovers wisely by freezing or donating them, and if there are scraps, compost them. Bam! Nutrient-rich soil for your garden.

Travel is a beast when it comes to carbon footprints, especially around the holidays. If possible, carpool with your crew or hop on public transport to cut down on emissions. Planning trips efficiently and opting for trains or buses for those longer rides can make a real difference.

Lighting up your home for the holidays is a blast, but traditional lights guzzle energy. Enter LED lights! They sip less electricity and can last up to 40 years. Set timers so your lights aren’t blazing 24/7; it’ll trim your energy consumption and nix potential fire hazards.

Hosting a holiday bash? Go zero-waste! Use reusable or compostable materials. Swap out the disposable dishes for reusable ones—think metal cutlery and glassware—and buy snacks in bulk instead of individual packets. Also, digital invitations are your friend. They’re modern, efficient, and waste-free.

Holidays are about community, right? Hosting a zero-waste event can get everyone involved in eco-friendly practices. Partner with local suppliers and charities, and encourage your guests to bring reusable containers for any leftovers. It strengthens community ties and backs local businesses.

Going green isn’t just about feeling good—it can polish up your personal or business image too. Demonstrating a commitment to sustainability will inspire others to follow your lead. Plus, reducing waste can cut costs. Reusing materials means less buying and less spending on disposal.

Making sustainable choices during the holidays doesn’t have to be hard or drastic. Here are some quick changes:

• Reuse wrapping paper, gift bags, and decorations. Recycle whenever you can, like with cardboard and paper.
• Opt for gifting experiences over physical objects.
• Stick to reusable plates, utensils, and cups.
• Decorate with natural items—your backyard probably has perfect candidates.
• Plan meals to reduce food waste and keep an eye on plant-based options.
• Use LED lights to save energy and prolong decoration life.

Implementing these small changes can significantly trim down your environmental impact while keeping the fun and joy of the season alive. Each tiny step counts, and you’ll set a fantastic, responsible example for others to follow. So, this year, let’s enjoy a festive season that’s not just happier but greener too. Cheers to a sustainable holiday!