Sustainability during the holiday season

Most people follow family traditions and use special decorations during their holiday celebrations.  These traditions and decorations help make the season and its events festive.  Here are a few thoughts on how to keep the special feeling of the holidays while being more eco-friendly. 

• Avoid disposables.  Use cloth napkins and tablecloths and re-usable tableware. 
• Choose decorations that can be stored and re-used year after year.
• If you have lighted decorations, either inside the house or outside, turn them off when no one is likely to see them.   Putting them on a timer is an easy way to make sure they’re off when they should be.   And choose energy-efficient LED lights. 
• Avoid single-use gift wrap.  Choose a re-usable decorative cloth bag or wrap gifts using materials you already have, like old magazines, newspapers, comics, or paper shopping bags. You can also use clean fabric like scarves, bandannas, or even pretty dish towels for a reusable wrapping.
• When choosing gifts, consider giving tickets for an experience the recipients might enjoy.  If you know their preferences, food from local businesses might be enjoyed much more than a random gift quickly chosen to fill an obligation.  Offers to help with chores or donations to charity in the recipient’s name might be good options for some on your list.  Try to avoid generic gift purchases that are not meaningful to the recipients. 
• Plan holiday meals to avoid food waste as much as possible.  Plan food preparation according to the number of expected guests and have a plan for leftovers.  Sending leftovers home with willing guests can be an excellent way to share the holiday spirit. 
• Before heading out of town, unplug electronics and other appliances to conserve energy. Even small actions like this can reduce your carbon footprint.
• When it comes to ambiance, choose candles made from soy or beeswax instead of paraffin. Soy and beeswax candles burn cleaner, making them healthier for your indoor air quality while providing the same warm glow.