Sustainable Holidays

Person cutting blue paper with reindeer pattern on a wooden table, surrounded by craft supplies, glue sticks, pinecones, and holiday decorations.
Person cutting blue paper with reindeer pattern on a wooden table, surrounded by craft supplies, glue sticks, pinecones, and holiday decorations.

The final months of the year can be tough on the planet. During the fall and winter months, waste generation in the United States increases by an average of 25%. 320 million pounds of food is wasted from Thanksgiving celebrations, alone.

By making small changes, we can save valuable landfill space, conserve our natural resources, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Most sustainable practices are practical and cost saving, too.

Throughout the holiday season (including Halloween!), consider ways to reduce environmental impacts. Here are a few actions that you can incorporate into your holiday planning this year.

A dog with white fur is covered by a white sheet with cut-out holes for its eyes and nose, resembling a ghost costume, against a plain white background.

Festive Fashion

  • Shop secondhand for your Halloween costume or NYE look. There are multiple thrifts and vintage consignment stores right here in Redlands.
  • You can also borrow an outfit or DIY a costume with what you already have.

Holiday Décor

  • It might be obvious, but make sure to use what you already have!
  • Shop secondhand for holiday décor.
  • Use LED string lights. They are more efficient, brighter, and last longer.
  •  DIY décor. Dried orange garlands are timeless. You can also use cloves and cinnamon to make your own potpourri.
  • Unplug lights and cooking appliances when not in use. These are still using energy when plugged in, even if the device is off.
A person chops fresh cilantro on a wooden cutting board with a knife, next to a glass jar and a bowl of vegetables in the background.

Dining and Gathering

  • Only buy what you need.
  • Make sure leftovers are saved and go to good use.
  • Use up your food scraps. Veggie odds and ends can be used for veggie stock and stale bread can be toasted and used for homemade croutons or breadcrumbs. There are so many food scrap recipes out there.
  • Use reusable plates and utensils. If you need more dishes for your party, try to thrift them.
  • Purchase food from your local farmer’s market.
  • Try out reusable paper towels and cloth napkins.
  • If you can, take public transportation when traveling.

Gift Giving

  • Give the gift of an experience or service. For example, a museum pass, outdoor excursion, beauty treatment, or gift card for groceries.
  • Wrap presents in recycled materials, like newspaper and reuse old gift bags.
  • Use the gift itself for wrapping. You can fill a new mixing bowl with baking supplies, or new reusable water bottle with a gift card and other tiny treats.
  • Find a secondhand or locally made treasure for a gift.
  • Gift a plant or tree. Fall is tree planting season!
Person holding two brown paper-wrapped gifts, one with a red ribbon and bow, the other with string, yellow leaves, and a red ornament, on a wooden table with festive decorations.

Once the Party is Over

  • Compost your food scraps, in your backyard or through your local organic waste collection system.
  • After the holidays, compost your jack-o-lantern, poinsettias, wreaths, and other seasonal plants. Mulch any holiday trees through your local organic collection program.
  • Donate toys and clothing in good condition that you no longer use.
  • Know where to take your waste. Batteries and electronics should NEVER go into your curbside bins or dumpsters. These items can leach heavy metals or start a fire. Take them to your local hazardous waste facility.
  • If you have one, use a dishwasher. Dishwashers use less water than handwashing.

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