We are officially into the last months of the year, the holidays are upon us! Here are some tips on how to celebrate while keeping an eye on the health of the environment.
Wrapping
Many consider wrapping gifts one of the best parts of holiday celebrations. However, all that paper, plastic, ribbon, tape, and so on can fill up garbage cans faster than your kids’ unwanted toys. Look for recyclable wrapping paper or stick to gift bags instead, which can be saved and reused each year. There are also other options like making the wrapping part of the gift, or using cloth instead of paper. There are even ways to wrap boxes without using any tape so you can save on sticky plastic.
Trees
There have been lots of debates as to whether real evergreen or synthetic Christmas trees are more sustainable. Getting a live conifer tree from a tree farm is a fun family activity and provides not only that lovely, natural evergreen scent, but also fresh oxygen. Real trees can be the eco-friendly option if they are recycled when January rolls around. If dumping a dried-out Tannenbaum in a landfill is your only option, consider going for a synthetic tree. These not only conserve waste by being consistent in your home every year, but also save money in the long run since you won’t have to buy a new one annually.
Decorations
Decorations are always easy to splurge on. Try using the same decor year after year, asking relatives and friends if they have any old decorations they’re tossing out, or even make your own! Christmas crafting is another family activity that will give you both a festive experience and memories for years to come. If nature-themed decor is your style, try using natural elements like leaves and twigs you can find in your backyard instead of plastic ones. If you prefer classic bright lights, use LED bulbs instead of traditional.
Gifts
We’ve all gotten gifts that we don’t care for. One way to avoid this is simple: by emulating Santa and making a list, you can let all your loved ones know what you’ll appreciate and what you won’t. If making a list of gifts you want takes the fun out of the surprise, try inverting the idea and making a list of things you definitely don’t want. This way you’ll avoid the sure-to-disappoint gifts that will inevitably go to waste while still not knowing what’s under that pretty bow.
When shopping for gifts for others, think of things that will be useful to that particular person instead of trinkets that are bound to be forgotten. Also consider buying an experience rather than an object; paying for a night out or a dinner date is always appreciated by families and couples.
This article originally appeared in the November/December 2024 issue of Omaha Home Magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.Â