Get in the spirit of going green!

'Tis the season to be jolly and environmentally conscious! It’s the perfect time to embrace a greener approach to the holidays.

Sustainable Gift Wrapping

We know the amount of wrapping paper we see at the end of the holiday season, as dads compile bags overflowing with acres of printed Christmas paper. Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, household waste usually increases by about 25% and equates to about 1,000 extra pounds of trash, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Instead of using traditional wrapping paper, consider reusing materials you already have at home, such as newspapers, magazines, or old maps. You can even use fabric scraps or scarves as beautiful and reusable wrappings. You can also get creative and make your wrapping paper with plain, recyclable brown paper by decorating it with stamps and hand-drawn designs to make it unique.

This allows you to beautify the entire gifting process - from buying to wrapping to presenting!

Lower the impact of Holiday Lighting

Holiday lighting is a central part of what makes the holiday season feel festive. The soft glow stimulates nostalgia for all. But how do we keep the magic of the lights while lessening the damage it does to the environment? A standard string of lights can use a significant amount of electricity, especially throughout the holiday season. This contributes to higher energy bills and increased carbon emissions if the electricity comes from non-renewable sources.

Try an alternative to standard Christmas lights to lessen the light pollution that increasingly plagues our environment, especially during the holiday season. LED lights are a good substitute because they last 10x longer while using up to 70% less energy than traditional bulbs.

Sometimes, less is more. Reducing the number of lights you use or being selective about where you place them can also minimize light pollution and energy consumption while still creating a festive atmosphere.

Secondhand Shopping

When ethical gifting occurs, the benefits extend far beyond the recipient! You can give more while spending less. Focus on the sentimental attachments you have with friends, letting the stories behind your shared experiences make for a treasured gift.

Explore thrift stores, vintage shops, and local craft fairs for unique and sustainable gift options. Pre-owned items often have a smaller carbon footprint and align with a more eco-conscious and socially responsible approach to celebrating. In addition to physical thrift stores and craft fairs, explore online marketplaces that offer secondhand or upcycled gifts. Websites and apps like eBay, Etsy, and Poshmark are great places to find unique and sustainable gifts.

Check out “Goodwill Hunting” on Be Well to tour Auburn’s best thrift stores, and hopefully gain some inspiration for your upcoming Christmas gifts!

Homemade Christmas decor!

Time for you to explore DIY Christmas decor ideas that will infuse your home with festivities while minimizing your environmental impact. There are plenty of ways you can decorate your home in the spirit of the season that are personal, creative, affordable, and ethical.

Take advantage of the natural elements you have and use dried oranges and cinnamon sticks to create ornaments, a garland, or potpourri! These will create a rustic, citrus look, not to mention a lovely scent drifting through your home, filling it with festive cheer. Use this time to gather family and friends together for a holiday craft session! Invite them over to make wreaths with branches and pinecones, or handmade ornaments with fabric scraps and buttons. This gives you a chance to create a cherished family tradition while also reducing waste and overconsumption.

Every effort you make could be multiplied tenfold, as telling friends and family will raise awareness for the help the environment needs so desperately! By making these eco-friendly choices in your holiday celebrations, you can enjoy the festive season while actively contributing to sustainability.

Be Well, Auburn.