12 Fun & Caring Ways To Have A Sustainable Festive Season

Introduction

The holiday season has arrived, and the joy in the air is contagious! As we already know, such enjoyable and joyful occasions often result in excessive waste. People participate in a variety of activities during the holiday season, including gift exchanges, lavish dinners and ski trips. These things, however, frequently end up being a burden on our precious nature. So our role is crucial in this situation! We must work hard to ensure that this 2022 holiday season is sustainable. Do you know the benefits when it comes to sustainability? It's not only the environment, but also all those who are participating in these festivities with us!

Tips To Have A Sustainable Festive Season

The holiday season has arrived, and we're sure you're racking your brains for the best possible gifts for your loved ones. Here are a few pointers to help you think in a more "sustainable” manner, thereby saving our planet and protecting the environment. Please read these ways to go sustainable and let us know which ones you have already checked off the list!

1. Eco-Friendly Gifts

It is always preferable to select gifts that are made from recycled materials or contain recyclable materials. It will not change your thought or emotion behind giving the gift; it will still appear affectionate, so why not choose an eco-friendly option?

2. E-Cards

Save trees by sending handmade or digital cards instead of paper cards. The entire process is designed to spark your creativity, so have fun while making a homemade card. You'll enjoy it, and the person receiving it will feel warm and loved!

3. Mindful Packaging

You can always repurpose leftover wrapping paper, bows, and ribbons from last year. This will save you money, and you can always choose to use eco-friendly packaging. There are so many choices and varieties on the market these days.

4. Thoughtful Gifts

A gift does not have to contain an item. It can sometimes be a treat, such as a spa coupon, a ticket to a music festival/concert, or a membership coupon to join a gym/yoga class. You can reduce waste by giving out such treats rather than items that will eventually be given away, thrown out, or break.

5. Buy Locally

Reduce carbon emissions by shopping locally rather than ordering something from afar. Reduce your reliance on transportation and choose companies that have implemented green and sustainable supply change initiatives. You end up protecting the environment while also helping the local community.

6. Energy Saving Lights

When it comes to outdoor and indoor lighting, traditional energy lights must be replaced with LED lights. LED lights have a long lifespan, low emissions, and also save energy. To reduce phantom energy consumption, be mindful and turn off standby power.

7. Manage Food Waste

During the holiday season, a large amount of food is thrown away. Try to plan and cook the appropriate amount, and then donate the leftovers to a local soup kitchen or food bank. You can also help the needy by preparing delicious festive season food for them, which will undoubtedly earn you some blessings! Ensure you also reduce non-recyclable containers and shift completely to eco-friendly ones! 

8. Donation To A Cause

Another way to be sustainable during the holiday season is to donate to a cause in which you believe. It can be your favourite charity or service organisation. Start a company or an NGO that identifies social issues and assists them in creating a better world for all of us!

9. Battery-Free Gifts

Purchase gifts that do not contain batteries. If it is still absolutely necessary, choose rechargeable batteries for those gifts. This will undoubtedly benefit all of us in the long run, and it is a critical step that must be taken.

10. Soy/Beeswax Candles

You can substitute soy or beeswax candles for paraffin candles. When it comes to the holidays, many of us have purchased candles in bulk. Soy and beeswax candles are made from renewable resources and burn cleaner, have pleasant aromas, and last longer than paraffin candles.

11. Travel Responsibly

Believe in responsible travel because it will protect the planet's future, preserve cultural heritage, and help local communities. Choose eco-friendly accommodations, pack lightly, and remember to bring items that can be reused.

12. Skip The Plastic Toys

If your children do not appreciate receiving socks and reading books as gifts, look for websites and businesses that sell green toys or toys made from recycled materials. This will undoubtedly aid in the decision to go sustainable, as there is already far too much plastic contaminating our water bodies and garbage dumps.

Takeaway

The holiday season can certainly be stressful. We're all trying to cross things off our lists most of the time because we're all on a tight schedule. It is critical that we consider the impact of our shopping habits, shipping habits, and drinking habits. The holiday season is about so much more than gifts and parties; it's about giving back and being thankful that we get to spend some of our most precious moments with the people we love. So let us try to be generous to our planet and do this for Mother Earth!

These were the ways to celebrate an eco-friendly festive season! If you have any additional suggestions for environmentally friendly celebrations, please share them with us!

- Harshita Shah