The Holidays Are Coming! What are YOUR plans?
- Meera Naveen
- Dec 16, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jun 30
The holidays are a time to celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or any festivity -- or even just relax/take time off -- with family and/or friends.
It's the time where you guys should look to lay low on productivity, to be lazy, because I don't know about you, but I've had a somewhat busy year 😅
So go on a vacation, a staycation, whatever your heart desires and just consider this post as a few ideas to spread the eco-cheer (I hope that doesn't sound too cringey haha).
If you don't know how to spend time, maybe take a walk with company (it can even just be your pet or a group of friends) around your neighborhood. Observe and enjoy the various forms of lighting and decorations your neighbors put on and maybe try to put some decorations on your house yourself! Making use of decorations sitting in your basement or reusing items can give bonus merry points.
Presents are a big thing. If you want to gift someone something, instead of the traditional gift wrapping try putting it in a bag they'll be sure to use again: this can eliminate any tape necessary and the wrapper waste sure to happen when people rip open the covers.
But if you badly want to fit the holiday aesthetic, opt for more sustainable packaging, like compostable beeswax, paper, reusable cloth, etc.
This is funny but one of the clubs at my school sent an email to everybody that they could offer gift-wrapping services. Since they must have bought wrapping in bulk, that reduces transportation/packaging emissions than buying and wrapping on your own and as a plus, it supports the school! (IMPORTANT: school fundraising idea!) If it's with sustainable tools, it's all the better.
But then comes the actual present itself.
Ideas could include doing it DIY (even it's a simple card or a crocheted scarf) and gifting items that might prove useful to the receiver or touches into their interests. Instead of the last-minute set of plastic-packaged truffles or gift cards you might buy, try to put aside time to think about what the receiver would like, something they would hold on to, might teach them eco-friendly habits (like a paid-for subscription to a reputable sustainable fashion magazine) or basically use again and again. Not only will this reduce waste in the long run, but this habit will emphasize the power of thoughtfulness about others and a mentality to make each decision slowly, meaningfully and with consideration to others in a fast-paced world. It's philosophical, I know, but I think a big part of saving our environment means working together effectively and that can only happen if we all improve or maintain a mentality of community.
Finally, how many of those celebrating the holidays gather around a table for a large feast? If you're hosting, a week ahead I'd say plan your shopping list with all the meals and ingredients. Know what your guests like and think about how much everyone usually eats. If there are a lot of small children with only appetite for a piece of chicken, mac & cheese and a slice of pie for dessert, take that into account so food waste doesn't become a severe problem. If you know there's going to be leftovers and there are guests willing to take home some, ask them to bring their own containers and any other item that could be considered festive for the occasion. Use your own reusable utensils, and if there's not enough for everybody ask them to bring their utensils and make sure to explain why if they're confused.
Last but not least, enjoy the holidays! It's been an adventurous year and now let's take the time to relax, reflect, and spend time with those who matter most to us.
Works Cited:
Image from Wix Media
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