The winter season in North America, particularly between American Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, sees a large jump in the overall creation of waste. For many people, this time of year is about gift-giving and celebration, but this level of consumption—from food to energy to natural resources like paper—is not sustainable. It takes a massive toll on our planet. 

So, what can we do differently?  

We’re outlining 10 ways to be more waste-conscious this holiday season. From changing simple habits to adopting new, “greener” replacements for old products, becoming a more conscientious consumer is much easier than you think.  

SPOILER WARNING >>> Take the Holiday Waste Quiz to test your knowledge about consumption and waste during the holiday season. Then come back here to learn what solutions you can adopt to reduce your carbon footprint.

10 Waste-Conscious Tips  

• Make a list, check it twice (and stick to it). Whether you’re purchasing gifts or shopping for supplies for your big holiday meal, having a list helps reduce impulse shopping. By buying only what you need, you can help avoid the millions of tons of holiday food waste that is created every year.  
   
• Opt for gift cards, cash, or gifts you KNOW they want. When in doubt, don’t guess. While buying surprise gifts can be fun, you also run the risk of unwanted gifts being returned (increasing their carbon footprint) or, worse, ending up in a landfill. Instead, consider giving gift cards or cash so the giftee can purchase exactly what they want.  
   
• Adopt paper alternatives. Reusables are the old-new way to wrap. Consider using recycled cloth, boxes, jars, or canisters you have lying around as an alternative to traditional wrapping paper. You get the added bonus of thoroughly disguising the present inside so no one will be able to guess what you got them.  
   

• Buy a tree, plant a tree. Nearly 100 million trees are cut down every year (globally) as part of holiday celebrations. While many of these trees were planted specifically for this purpose, it still has a massive impact on overall carbon sequestration. If you’re purchasing a real tree this season, consider donating to an organization like One Tree Planted that will plant a new one.  
   
• Utilize LEDs and automatic timers. It likely won’t come as a surprise that holiday decorative lights utilize A LOT of energy every year. If you like getting into the holiday season by decking the halls with lightbulbs, make sure they’re LED—these not only conserve more electricity, but they last significantly longer than traditional light bulbs. You might also consider putting your lights on a timer, so you never forget to switch them off before you leave the house or go to bed.  
   
• Take your greetings digital. Billions of greeting cards are mailed throughout the year, and the total energy needed for this alone is enough to power 22,000 homes for an entire year. So, this year, consider putting together a digital holiday card instead. You can send an e-card or post your “card” on your socials.  
   
• Stop junk mail early. 100 billion pieces of unwanted mail are sent every year in the U.S. alone. Be proactive about stopping the junk mail before it ever gets its way to you. Unsubscribe from mailing lists wherever possible or call the 1-800 number listed on catalogues to stop from receiving them. 
   
• Shop with sustainability and reusability in mind. Before making a purchase, especially when it comes to buying gifts, ask yourself: how long will this item last? Could it be repurposed in other ways than its original intended use? By prioritizing quality, it helps ensure the energy and resources used to create an item do not go to waste quickly (as the lifespan of the item is longer than a cheaper, poorly made alternative).  
   

• Check for holiday recycling programs near you. Many cities and counties hold special recycling events during the holiday season in order to make it easier for you to recycle bigger and/or more specific items such as toys, batteries, furniture, cardboard packaging, etc. Do a quick internet search to see if there are any holiday recycling events where you live.  
   
• Make your meals more “formal.” It’s the holiday season—get festive! It’s time to break out Nana’s fine China and set out the cloth napkins. Oh, and don’t forget the reusable cutlery. Instead of opting for paper plates and plastic forks, add a bit of flair to your dining experience. It’s not just fun, it’s also much better for the planet.  

 
Talk with your Green Teams about other ways you can make the season more sustainable. Then, share these ideas with other members of staff. Together, we’ll help lead the way toward a healthier, happier environment one red bow at a time.  

Come back next month for even more sustainability tips and tricks.