Our 10 Tips for an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season

The holidays are around the corner. It is truly one of the most magical times of year, for many of us it is perhaps our most favourite time of year too.

The environment might feel differently than we do. When we realize the amount of waste that is thrown away after the holiday season it is alarming! Check out this article from the National Geographic which reveals the exact amount of waste produced and offers ideas for a greener Christmas. Found [here].

At Sacred Lotus we have come up with 10 tips for an eco-friendly holiday season.

1. Try to buy locally and eat locally. You are supporting the businesses and farms in your area. You are also cutting down on pollution during shipping while you enjoy your holiday feast. Try eating less meat and more veggies since vegetarian meals have a smaller carbon foot-print.
2. Shop organic and natural. You are giving a healthier gift and limiting stress on the environment.
3. Buy something hand-made or better yet make it yourself. People love home-made gifts because they are authentic and from the heart. You can also purchase something that is “up-cycled”, which means it is made by hand from used or recycled items.
4. Buy less. Quality over quantity. It is fun to rip open gifts, but perhaps too many is just plain too many. Purchasing things people really want and can use is a great way to keep things from becoming tomorrow’s garbage.
5. Recycle gift wrap. You can also get creative and use different types of materials too. Scarves or textiles that are unwanted can be re-gifted as elegant wrapping. Old boxes that kids paint the outsides of become a fun holiday activity and unique gift wrap. Newspaper makes fun wrapping paper and cloth bags made from recycled materials are also a green alternative to paper wrapping.
6. Buy items and gifts made of less plastic, especially for kids. Many children’s toys are made with plastic and other toxic materials. Try looking for non-toxic items, like bees-wax crayons or lead-free toys. Better for the environment and the kids who play with them.
7. Consider giving gifts that help others. You can donate to charities and organization on someone’s behalf. The idea is that you involve your family and friends in gifts that change lives. For example, World Vision has a gift catalogue that lets you pick a gift, such as a goat or fruit trees for a family in need. Their catalogue can be found [here].
8. If you celebrate Christmas, get a real tree. Did we just say that? It turns out that most Christmas trees are grown on farms, so no forests were harmed. You are also likely supporting a local family business and people whose jobs are seasonal. Fake trees have petroleum-based materials and consume a large amount of energy to produce and ship. That said, if you already have a fake tree or buy a used one, you are still making a green choice because you are keeping it from being thrown out. Potted plants are only a green choice if you keep them alive over the winter and remember to plant it later.
9. Make your own garland. Go for a trip with the family to the country (if you don’t live there already). Take a look for pine cones and cedar branches. Also, remember the old tradition of stringing popcorn on your tree? It is a fun activity and much more eco-friendly than plastic garland or tinsel.
10. Try to make the holidays more about activities and less about getting/giving gifts. Tobogganing, skating and drinking warm apple ciders (local and organic, of course) are eco-friendly activities that can really get you and your family into the holiday mood. It can also save you money.

What are your Holiday Green Tips? Let us know!