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Eco-Friendly Holiday Guide: How to Give Back to the Planet This Season

Eco-Friendly Holiday Guide: How to Give Back to the Planet This Season

The holiday season is full of joy, love, and celebrations. But let’s face it—it can also lead to a lot of waste. From wrapping paper mountains to leftover food, it’s easy for the planet to feel a bit left out. This year, let’s change that! This eco-friendly holiday guide will help you make a few simple swaps and thoughtful choices so you can enjoy the holidays and take care of the Earth.

Food: Feast Without Waste

Holidays are all about the food. But have you noticed how much gets thrown away? This year, make every bite count with this holiday guide:

1. Plan Your Portions

Before you cook, think about how much food you really need. Do you really need a turkey the size of a small car? Use online tools to figure out portions.

2. Get Creative with Leftovers

Leftovers are like hidden treasures! Turn extra mashed potatoes into crispy patties or leftover veggies into a warm soup. Not only is this planet-friendly, but it also saves you from cooking again. Double win!

3. Compost the Scraps

Potato peels, carrot tops, and eggshells don’t belong in the trash. Start a compost bin and turn these scraps into food for your garden. Your plants will thank you later. Learn how to compost with this beginner’s guide.

eco friendly holiday

Gifts: Thoughtful, Not Wasteful

Gifts are a holiday highlight, but all that packaging and mass-produced stuff can harm the planet. Here’s how to give gifts that are good for people and the Earth:

1. Go for Experiences

Instead of giving another sweater that may never leave the closet, give an experience. Tickets to a concert, a cooking class, or a fun day out create memories—not waste.

2. DIY Delights

Get crafty! Bake cookies, knit a scarf, or make a photo album. Handmade gifts are unique, personal, and eco-friendly. Plus, they show how much you care.

3. Shop Local and Sustainable

Support local businesses and choose eco-friendly products. Look for items made from recycled materials or companies that use ethical practices. Bonus: you’ll probably find gifts that are way cooler than what’s at big chain stores.

Decorations: Deck the Halls Sustainably

Holiday decorations can be festive and planet-friendly. You don’t need to buy all-new shiny plastic baubles every year. Instead, try these ideas:

1. Natural Wonders

Nature has the best decorations! Pinecones, twigs, and holly look beautiful and don’t come wrapped in plastic. Use them to create wreaths or table centerpieces.

2. Upcycle the Old

Turn old items into something new. Leftover fabric can become bunting, and glass jars can transform into candle holders. It’s creative, cheap, and Earth-friendly.

3. LED Lights

Switch to LED holiday lights—they use way less energy than traditional ones. Bonus: your electricity bill will thank you.

Wrapping: Style That Saves

Wrapping paper may look pretty, but most of it isn’t recyclable. Instead, use this holiday guide and try these stylish and sustainable alternatives:

1. Fabric Wraps

Use scarves, tea towels, or fabric scraps to wrap gifts. It’s like giving two gifts in one! Learn more about this creative idea!

2. Brown Paper Magic

Plain brown paper is 100% recyclable and looks charming when decorated with twine, stamps, or hand-drawn doodles.

3. Reuse and Repurpose

Save gift bags, ribbons, and boxes from previous years. You’ll save money and keep stuff out of the trash.

Eco friendly gifts

Parties: Celebrate with a Green Twist

Holiday parties don’t have to mean heaps of disposable plates and cups. Make your gathering eco-friendly with these ideas:

1. Use Real Dishes

Skip the single-use plates and cups. Sure, washing dishes isn’t fun, but it’s worth it for the planet. Plus, your table will look fancier!

2. Eco-Friendly Favours

If you’re giving party favours, think green. Mini potted plants, seed packets, or homemade treats are thoughtful and sustainable.

Giving Back: Spread Holiday Cheer

The holidays are a time for giving, so why not give back to the planet and your community?

1. Donate

Instead of buying more stuff, donate to a cause you care about. Many organizations help protect forests, oceans, and wildlife.

2. Volunteer

Spend time helping out at a local shelter, food bank, or environmental group. Your time and effort are gifts that make a real difference.

3. Plant a Tree

Many organizations let you gift a tree in someone’s name. It’s a present that lasts for generations and helps the planet breathe.

Travel: Tread Lightly

Traveling during the holidays? Keep these eco-tips in mind:

1. Pack Light

The heavier the luggage, the more fuel your transportation uses. Pack only what you need to lighten the load.

2. Choose Greener Transport

Whenever possible, take a train or bus instead of flying. If you must fly, consider offsetting your carbon emissions by supporting renewable energy projects.

3. Respect Local Areas

If you’re visiting somewhere new, follow local rules to protect natural spaces. Leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photos.

The Big Picture

The holidays don’t have to mean waste and excess. By making small changes, you can spread joy while protecting the planet. Imagine a world where every holiday is filled with kindness, love, and care—for each other and the Earth.

So, use this holiday guided and let’s make this holiday season a green one because giving back to the planet is the gift that keeps on giving.

Happy eco-friendly holidays!

Get daily giving inspiration straight to your inbox with 365give’s daily inspiration. Sign up here and start receiving a new giving idea every day!

Or read these previous blog posts for your own inspiration:

New Ways to Volunteer to Increase the Health of our Planet

Recycling for the Holidays: 5 Recycling Ideas for Our Environment

5 Ways to Reduce Food Waste for Earth Day that will Slow Climate Change

Roan
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Hi there! My name is Roan. I'm an avid learner and passionate about a variety of different activities, from quality engineering, to design, to technology, photography, and beyond. I always look for new ways to use my creativity and skills to make a positive impact on the world. When I'm not working or volunteering, I enjoy writing in my journal, creating designs, learning a new language, or doing DIY projects.

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