The holiday season is upon us, and with it often comes a lot of waste. Here are five easy ways to have a more sustainable holiday season:
1) Buy Less. Buy Ethically.
Stop waste before it starts by only buying things truly needed. If you are going to buy gifts, try giving experiences, like concert tickets. And when possible, buy from ethical companies who are transparent about their environmental impacts and labor standards.
2) Scrap the Wasteful Wrap
Typical wrapping paper is not recyclable. Less wasteful wrapping alternatives include packing paper and newspaper. Both are recyclable! Gift bags are also great as they can be reused for years.
3) Decorating? Use LED lights!
You can save energy and money by using LED lights. The U.S. Department of Energy found LED bulbs have longer lifespans and require 70% less energy than conventional incandescent light strands.
4) Travel Together
The holiday season often involves lots of traveling to see friends and family, which means lots of greenhouse gas emissions. Transportation accounts for nearly half of Canada’s total greenhouse gas emissions (ECCC, 2018). If you have the option, rideshare or use mass transit.
5) Serve Up Sustainable Dishes
You can reduce your environmental footprint through the food you eat this holiday season, specifically by eating less meat. Raising and processing livestock is very resource intensive. Vegetarian versions of some of your favorite dishes are equally as tasty and more environmentally friendly!
Thursday, December 20, 2018 in General
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