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Our special holiday traditions bring joy & warmth, but they often have a sneaky cost to our environment.
During the holiday season, the United States produces 25% more waste than usual. Can you believe that’s about 1 million extra tons of garbage every week?
Imagine the entire MetLife Stadium filled to the brim with trash like wrapping paper, packaging, and leftover food – that’s really how much we throw away.
I’ve seen the Jersey Shore change over time due to rising sea levels. Trust me, climate change is real, and it’s happening right in our own backyards. Our holiday habits play a part in this issue too.
The only solution is to have sustainable holiday swaps.
When we think about having a sustainable holiday, it doesn’t mean we have to lose the magic. Nope! It’s all about starting new traditions that can be just as special or even more special.
It’s showing love not just to family & friends but also to our planet, too.
By making a few small changes, we can lower our impact on the environment while still having all the fun of the holidays. Plus, some of these eco-friendly choices could even save us money in the long run.
So, I’m super excited to share 10 sustainable holiday swaps that’ll make your celebrations happier and gentler on our beautiful planet!
1. Ditch Traditional Gift Wrap for Sustainable Alternatives
Remember when I’d spend hours battling tape & paper only to see it ripped apart in no time? Not anymore! This year, I’m all about furoshiki – it’s this cool Japanese way of fabric wrapping gifts.
It looks amazing & you can reuse it each year. If fabric isn’t your thing yet, try using old newspapers or brown paper bags instead. You can add some twine & a sprig of rosemary from your garden. It smells awesome and looks super chic!
2. Switch to LED Holiday Lights
Time to swap those energy-hungry old lights for LEDs. I changed last year, and trust me, my utility bill was grateful. LED lights use up to 75% less energy & last so much longer.
Plus, they stay cooler which means fewer burnt Santa beards!
3. Choose a Living Christmas Tree
As per the survey, Americans cut down about 15 million Christmas trees each year. While many farms follow sustainable practices, that’s still a LOT of trees!
I know you’re thinking – “But what about that fresh-cut tree smell!” I get it! But potted trees are gifts that keep giving. Last year, I rented a Norfolk Pine from a local nursery in Jersey!
Not only did it fill my home with that woodland smell, but afterward it went back to keep growing!
4. Swap Single-Use Decorations for Timeless Pieces
Remember those plastic icicles that left glitter everywhere? Yeah, let’s leave those behind! I’ve started gathering quality ornaments that have stories behind them.
My fave? A hand-blown glass ball from a small shop in Cape May. It’s not just decoration; it holds special Jersey Shore magic I’ll treasure forever.
5. Opt for a Digital Holiday Card
I’ll admit I was nervous about this one at first. There’s something nice about opening up a real card. But then I found out that 2.65 billion Christmas cards are sold each year in the U.S.!
So I tried digital cards instead and now create personalized video greetings for friends & family! They’re interactive & full of clips from our best moments through the year – plus no fear of paper cuts!
6. Embrace Eco-Friendly Gift Giving
Last year instead of giving stuff, I gifted my niece a cooking class at a local farm-to-table joint. We had so much fun making pasta from scratch and made memories that’ll last longer than any toy or gadget!
For those who prefer staying home, why not support local artisans? There’s this great shop in Montclair selling upcycled jewelry – super unique!
7. Revamp Your Holiday Menu with Sustainable Ingredients
I’ve started adding more plant-based options to my spread lately! Have you tried a cauliflower roast? It’s surprisingly tasty and always a crowd-pleaser!
Most of my produce comes from the West Windsor Farmers Market – eating local helps support our Jersey farmers and cuts down on food miles!
8. Switch to Reusable Dinnerware and Decorations
No more red Solo cups at holiday parties anymore! I bought bamboo plates & cutlery last year and they’ve been hit ever since!
For larger gatherings check out rental services; there’s one in Hoboken with fancy china to eco-friendly party favors.
9. Opt for Sustainable Gift Packaging
Mason jars are perfect for gift packaging! They’re great for homemade treats (hey there spiced nuts!) & recipients can reuse them after the holidays too!
For bigger gifts, I’m loving fabric gift bags with fun patterns; they can even double as produce bags all year round.
10. Choose Energy-Efficient Appliances for Holiday Cooking
Last Christmas, I treated myself to an energy-efficient slow cooker – a total lifesaver for holiday meals! It uses less energy & frees up my oven space too!
And there’s nothing quite like walking into my home smelling mulled cider simmering away all day.
So these are my 10 easy sustainable holiday swaps to help make your holiday season sparkle while being kind to our earth!
By following these eco-friendly ideas we’re not just decking the halls – we’re also making way for a greener future together!
