Embracing Sustainable Holidays for a Brighter Future
The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness, and celebration. However, amidst the festivities, it's crucial to consider the environmental impact of our traditions and activities. Adopting sustainable practices during the holidays helps preserve the planet and sets the stage for a more conscious and responsible way of celebrating. It is not only possible but crucial to start switching to more sustainable holiday practices, and we can do so without compromising on the festive spirit. Here are some ideas on how.
Mindful Gift Giving
Choosing sustainable gifts is a thoughtful way to make a positive impact during the holidays. Consider gifts that are ethically sourced, locally made, or have a minimal environmental footprint. I like to shop on Etsy, filtering for more local sellers and vintage or handmade items to reuse (vintage items) or support small businesses. Experience gifts, such as yoga class passes, cooking classes, or massage vouchers, can be a healthy alternative to physical presents, reducing the demand for material goods. If you have time, you can DIY your gifts; I love to make creams and natural lip balms and offer them as presents. Wrap your gifts in an eco-friendly manner by using recycled or reusable wrapping paper. Get creative and reuse old newspapers, maps, scarves, etc. Make your own Christmas cards instead of buying them, or opt for ones made from recycled materials.
Energy-Efficient, Waste-Free Celebrations
Consider using reusable Christmas trees, making your decorations using recycled materials, or repurposing items from previous years to reduce waste. Pine cones and fallen branches in parks and forests create a beautiful Christmas decorations. Opt for reusable decorations like fabric banners, wooden ornaments, and LED lights, which consume less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. If your holiday plans involve travel, consider eco-friendly transportation options. Choose trains or buses over flights whenever possible, as they generally have a lower carbon footprint. If driving is unavoidable, carpool with friends or family to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. The holiday season often generates a significant amount of waste. Reduce your ecological impact by recycling, composting, and minimizing single-use items. Encourage guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers and provide recycling bins to make it easy for everyone to dispose of waste responsibly.
Eco-Conscious Feasting
The holiday season is synonymous with feasting, but we must make mindful choices about our food. Plant-based, locally sourced meals will have the lowest impact. Consider incorporating plant-based or vegetarian options into your holiday menu to promote sustainability in your diet. You may not be able to easily change a fish dish with a plant-based option, but certain things, such as desserts, are easily made vegan with zero difference. Offer plant-based starters, and generally, opt for locally sourced, organic ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation and pesticide use.
Embracing sustainable practices during the holidays is a powerful way to contribute to a healthier planet. By making conscious choices in our decorations, gift-giving, feasting, and travel, we can create meaningful traditions that align with our values. Let's celebrate the season in a way that brings joy to our lives and leaves a positive and lasting impact on the environment for generations to come, teaching the younger generations that change is not only possible but essential.
Nina Vukas
Nina is the founder of Spanda Institute, Program Director and a Lead Teacher for Advanced Study Programs, Yoga Therapist, Somatic Psychotherapist, Mindfulness and Meditation teacher, and forever a student. Currently, she is studying Psychology. She is also an environmentalist, trying to live a sustainable lifestyle and inspire others to do the same.
