trashiest month of the year
Did you know there are over 1,000,000 TONS of trash which go to landfill EACH WEEK between Thanksgiving and New Years? Instead of getting down and out on this hefty (pun intended) stat, let's go through some tips on how to have a lower (or even zero!) waste holiday season.
Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 15.1 percent of these emissions in 2019. Alternatively, livestock accounts for 37% of all U.S. methane emissions, and beef cattle are responsible for much of that, producing 86.2% of that methane - another great stat to keep in mind as you plan your holiday season menus. Landfills and Livestock account for 52% of the US emissions - some definite food for thought.
let’s talk festive solutions
Ways to reduce waste include the reuse and repurposing of elements you already have. There are a million videos out there providing how to's on wrapping gifts with fabric - which can be made from clothes, sheets and other fabric you already own. Those festive paper bags? Have no shame in reusing those until the wheels fall off - and then recycle, recycle, recycle.
While there has been a heated debate over the sustainability of cut Christmas trees - a cut tree is more sustainable IF it is responsibly composted at end of life, when compared to the footprint of the creation of a plastic tree (which will not decompose for 400+ yrs., if ever). Don't worry, if you have a plastic or pink tinsel tree - just keep that thing forever (+ ever!) and pass it down generations and you're still doing wonderfully - just don't send to landfill. An alternative to both of these choices is a potted Christmas tree, which can be replanted and reused as it grows.
As a teeny tiny example, if every family reused two feet of their holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet.
heirlooms or keep it (forever)
When decorating around the house, keep the family heirlooms you like and reuse, reuse, reuse. If you buy new, only buy things that you can confidently commit to using forever - and passing down as future heirlooms. Other ideas for annual interactive, homemade elements are creating organic gingerbread houses/cookies, stringing wine corks, popcorn or cranberries as garland - all of which can be composted.
as for gifts: experiences are IT
If you're in a panic about gifting - fear not.
The most amazingly sustainable gifts are experiences. A unique experience can be thoughtfully tailored to the individual - down to a handmade card - while likely supporting local, small businesses - and the hospitality industry at large.
sustainable gifting examples include:
a vacation
cooking class
hotel stay
spa day
sailing lesson
pottery or art class
jewelry making
concert tickets
theater tickets
ice skating
low to no cost gifting:
a hike
picnic
coffee date
ice cream
And you can even take a composting class for two for $20. The gift that keeps on giving (to mother earth)!
Arguably, the most heart-warming month can get even deeper through being intentional with your consumption. Cheers to having thoughtful diligence and a firm commitment to lowered holiday season waste. FA LA LA LA LA - LA LA LA LA.
