Tips from Basin residents on how they are reducing their waste this holiday season
The holiday season is a time for giving, but it can also create a significant amount of waste. From gift wrapping to food scraps, the environmental impact can quickly add up. Have you thought about how you might make this season a little greener? We asked Basin residents for their best tips on reducing waste and being more sustainable during the holidays.
Here are 12 creative and practical ways you can minimize your environmental footprint this season:
Gifts and Wrapping
- Give gifts that don’t create more waste. Skip mass-produced trinkets and opt for thoughtful, waste-free gifts. Consider second-hand or thrifted treasures, homemade jams, baked goods or consumable treats that won’t clutter the recipient’s home.
- Choose eco-friendly wrapping paper. Say goodbye to shiny, single-use wrapping paper. Instead, wrap gifts in natural brown paper, newspaper, old maps, or reusable gift bags. For a creative touch, use tea towels, scarves, or fabric that can double as part of the gift.
- Give the gift of an experience. Instead of material items, focus on creating memories. Plan family outings, game nights, or outdoor activities that bring people together without adding to waste.
- Give practical gifts. Choose items that are useful and long-lasting, such as warm clothing, kitchen gadgets, or eco-friendly home products. These gifts are likely to be appreciated and reduce waste over time.
Food and Energy
- Support local, sustainable food options. Buy locally sourced, seasonal foods and be mindful of packaging. Use leftovers creatively in meals to avoid food waste, and compost food scraps to ensure they don’t end up in a landfill.
- Stay warm without cranking the heat. Conserve energy by layering up with cozy sweaters and blankets instead of turning up the thermostat. This simple step reduces your carbon footprint and heating costs.
- Set timers for your Christmas lights. Reduce electricity usage by setting your Christmas lights on timers. This ensures they’re only on when needed, energy consumption and extending the life of your lights.
Decorations and Plastic Use
- Decorate a house plant instead of cutting down a fresh tree. Consider decorating a potted plant or a living tree that can be replanted after the holidays. This approach avoids deforestation and eliminates waste.
- Reuse and make your own decorations. Skip disposable decorations by reusing last year’s ornaments and get creative by making your own with natural materials like pinecones, dried fruit, and branches.
- Avoid excessive plastic. Many holiday products come wrapped in unnecessary plastic. Try to avoid plastic packaging or reuse it when possible. Look for plastic-free alternatives, such as bamboo or glass containers, when buying gifts or decorations.
Waste Management and Shopping
- Master waste sorting and recycling. Ensure recyclables are sorted properly and encourage others to do the same. Clearly label bins and dispose of holiday waste responsibly—from cardboard packaging to wrapping paper.
- Bring reusable bags when out shopping. Keep a stash of reusable shopping bags in your car or by the door to ensure you’re prepared when shopping for gifts or groceries. This simple habit significantly reduces plastic waste.
Take Action Today! These tips are just the beginning. What will you try this holiday season to reduce waste? Share your ideas with friends and family and encourage them to join you in making the holidays more sustainable. Together, small changes can lead to a big impact.
