Celebrate the Holidays by Giving Back to the Planet
As the holiday season approaches, many of us are focused on gift shopping and festive decorations. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, it’s important to remember the impact our actions can have on the environment. This article presents a list of energy-saving tips to help you get into the holiday spirit while reducing waste, saving money, and giving back to the planet.
Shop with Reusable Bags:
One simple yet effective way to reduce waste during the holiday season is to shop with reusable cloth bags. By avoiding the use of paper and plastic bags, we can significantly decrease the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. Additionally, consolidating purchases into as few bags as possible can further minimize waste and even save on fuel costs for those driving electric vehicles.
Dig into Leftovers:
The abundance of food during the holidays often leads to significant food waste. To combat this, it’s crucial to properly store leftovers. Instead of throwing away empty glass jars, plastic tubs, or coffee cans, consider reusing them to store leftovers or other miscellaneous items like ribbons for wrapping presents. Donating untouched food to local food banks or shelters is another thoughtful way to minimize waste and support those in need.
Decorate without Splurging on Electricity:
When decorating your home, consider prioritizing electricity-free decorations like tinsel and garland that reflect surrounding light. However, if you do opt for electric decorations, make sure to use LED lights. LED lights not only consume less energy but also have a longer lifespan and are less of a fire risk compared to traditional incandescent lights. Setting your lights on a timer can further maximize energy savings. For those looking to reduce waste, purchasing and decorating a potted tree that can be planted or kept indoors after the holidays is a sustainable alternative to cutting down live trees.
(Re)wrap Gifts:
Each year, thousands of pounds of wrapping paper are produced, consuming excessive amounts of energy and quickly ending up in the trash. To minimize waste, consider using recycled or reused paper for gift wrapping. Get creative by making your own custom wrapping paper using magazine clippings or reusing gift bags, ribbons, and bows. Fabric can also be a great choice for wrapping gifts, as long as it will be reused by the recipient. Ultimately, the most energy-efficient option is to choose gifts that don’t require wrapping or opt for eco-friendly alternatives such as donations or experiences.
Conclusion:
This holiday season, let’s prioritize sustainability and make a positive impact on the environment. By shopping with reusable bags, properly storing leftovers, decorating with energy-efficient lights, and minimizing waste when wrapping gifts, we can reduce our carbon footprint and spread holiday cheer while saving money. Let’s celebrate the season by giving back to the planet and embracing a more sustainable way of celebrating.
