Five Tips to Reduce Waste This Holiday Season
The holiday season is a time of celebration, but it also tends to be one of the most wasteful times of the year. Between wrapping paper, packaging, decorations, and food, the added waste quickly accumulates. But with a few mindful choices, you can enjoy the season while minimizing your environmental impact. Here are five simple yet effective tips for a more sustainable holiday season.
1. Wrap Responsibly
Traditional wrapping paper can be beautiful, but most of it isn’t recyclable due to coatings, glitter, or adhesives. Here are some greener options:
Repurpose old maps, newspaper, or brown kraft paper, which can be decorated with stamps, doodles, or even dried foliage for a festive touch.
Choose reusable wraps like fabric squares (furoshiki) or reusable bags.
Avoid ribbons and plastic bows, opting for natural twine or fabric ribbon instead. These can often be reused or composted if they're 100% cotton or natural fiber.
2. Gift Thoughtfully
Gift-giving doesn’t have to mean excessive material consumption. Consider thoughtful options that reduce waste:
Experiences over things: Tickets to events, memberships, or vouchers for local experiences make great gifts without the extra packaging.
Sustainable products: Choose items that are recyclable, compostable, or made from recycled materials. You can also look for zero-waste gifts like reusable water bottles, beeswax wraps, or sustainable kitchenware.
DIY gifts: Homemade baked goods, crafts, or upcycled gifts add a personal touch and often require fewer resources.
3. Decorate Sustainably
Holiday decorations can have a significant environmental impact, but you can still bring the holiday cheer with eco-friendly options:
Opt for a real tree if you’re in a location where they’re grown sustainably, and compost your tree after the season. The Pitkin County Solid Waste Center will compost your tree for no charge until February 14th. There are also many local tree drops throughout the valley. Remember to remove all decorations and lights.
Use natural decor like pine cones, leaves, and dried fruit, which can be composted after the season ends.
Swap or reuse decorations: Instead of buying new decorations every year, swap with friends, or purchase secondhand. You can also create your own using materials you already have on hand. Visit the Motherlode Mercantile for gently used holiday decor.
4. Plan Meals Wisely
Food waste is often at its peak during the holidays. Planning carefully can help reduce the amount of food that ends up in the trash:
Make a meal plan and stick to your shopping list to avoid overbuying.
Serve portions mindfully and encourage guests to take leftovers home.
Get creative with leftovers: Many dishes can be repurposed into new meals, from soups to sandwiches. If you can’t use it all, compost food scraps. Reach out to the Pitkin County Solid Waste Center for information on where to compost food waste.
5. Mind Your Recycling and Disposal
It’s easy to mix up what’s recyclable during the holiday rush, but following best practices can make a big difference:
Break down cardboard boxes from online shopping and recycle them properly.
Avoid “wishcycling”: Items like ribbons, tinsel, and certain plastics aren’t recyclable. Check your local recycling guidelines to avoid contamination.
Compost when possible: Food scraps, paper napkins, and certain natural decorations can all be composted to keep them out of the landfill.
