After 18 months of a global pandemic, people are anxious to get back to normalcy. And with fears about supply-chain issues and product shortages, the end of Halloween triggered an even earlier unofficial start to the holiday season. 

But how can you help the planet while celebrating the holidays? By keeping “green” front and center as you decorate, bake, exchange gifts and get on with the merrymaking.

Here are some tips we’ve pulled together that will keep the GREEN in the holidays so that the planet can celebrate this special season along with us:

1. Gift wrapping: According to shop.tokki.com, each year, Americans use about 4.6 MILLION POUNDS of wrapping paper. Because the fancy papers feature coatings, things like glitter, and other embellishments and cannot be recycled, about 2.3 MILLION POUNDS of gift wrap ends up in landfills. We find it hard to imagine millions of pounds of wrapping paper. So what is a gift-giver to do? Look around the house. What do you have that could become gift wrap? Do you have reusable tote bags from the grocery store that could hold a gift (and become a “second” gift)? Do you have material remnants? Burlap? If you don’t have anything on hand, consider purchasing something reusable as gift wrap--dish towels, a t-shirt, or sweatshirt--anything that has lasting value.

2. Decorations: Millions of dollars are spent each year on fancy decorations, and, understandably, everyone wants to be festive. But look around the yard--Have any pinecones fallen from a tree? They make incredible in-home decorations. A couple of drops of cinnamon oil (be sure to dilute it if it’s not already) can bring the outside in and make a beautiful centerpiece. Look further: Have any small pine branches or other branches fallen to the ground? Tie some red or festive ribbon around the center of such pieces, making a great table or wall decorations. Look to the natural world rather than the “plastic” world. If you are committed to purchasing decorations, try to invest in pieces that will last for years rather than cheap items that will end up in landfills after only one year.

3. Baking and entertaining: Everyone likes to mingle and celebrate the holidays. But how can your dinners and parties be green? Start by shopping locally! If you live in warmer climates, farmers’ markets will remain year-round options. Load up on fresh vegetables and fruits. They even will offer locally made, and non-factory produced decorations. If farmers’ markets aren’t an option, search for some local small businesses--think corner grocery stores or small-town butcher shops. The food will be fresh; the local economy will thank you, and your food likely will be free from many common preservatives. Support your local shops whenever possible.

4. Gift giving: Everyone repeats this every year, but it’s essential: Shop local. Support your small businesses. If possible, come up with ideas for handmade gifts: Do you have a garden? Can you gift someone seeds from your garden so they can start their own? Can you make fruit baskets or bake cookies using locally sourced ingredients?
   

   Make the holidays green. Think outside of the mega-Christmas marketing frenzy, and guarantee that your holidays are merry and bright...and sustainable.