Celebrate Sustainably: 5 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Holiday at Home
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
As our holiday schedules grow busier, many of us also forget to take simple steps at home to shrink our carbon footprints or prepare for a more energy-efficient winter.
Luckily, it’s not that hard to shift our habits and plan for a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly celebration. This month, Celebrate Sustainably: 5 Ideas for an Eco-Friendly Holiday at Home. Here are five ideas for ringing in the holidays this year without overstressing Mother Nature.
PREP YOUR HOME FOR WINTER
Depending on the amount of time and resources you have available, you could improve your home's energy efficiency significantly this season just by winterizing your home. Replacing old appliances or things like chronically leaking windows with newer, more energy-efficient solutions can also save you money over the long term.
You don't necessarily have to spend a lot upfront, though, to prep your home for winter. Even simple tweaks—such as sealing windows and doors or upgrading to more energy-efficient window coverings—can lower your energy consumption.
DECORATE SUSTAINABLY
Decking your home's halls is one of the most jolly seasonal activities of all. There's something special about gathering 'round with friends and family and relaxing in the comforting glow of a festively decorated space.
Thrifting is still in vogue, so consider crafting new and on-trend decorations out of secondhand finds or upcycling items already in your closet.
If you do purchase store-bought decor, proactively look for the most environmentally friendly options. LED lights are now ubiquitous in stores and use far less energy than incandescent versions.
CUT BACK ON HOLIDAY SHOPPING
Giving away special experiences, such as concert tickets or community memberships, may also be a better option. So is donating to a favorite charity in a gift recipient's name or offering gifts of time, such as promising to help a loved one clean out their garage or fill their freezer with home-cooked meals.
Research shows that gift recipients often value thoughtful gifts with sentimental value, especially if they're homemade or nostalgic or will provide them with a unique experience.
And if you prefer to buy something tangible, look to local businesses that source or manufacture their goods nearby. Craft fairs and community markets are a great place to start.
GREEN YOUR HOLIDAY DINNER
Swapping your meat for beans isn't the only way to “'green” your holiday meal. For example, you can consciously source your meat from ethical sellers, prioritize local producers for seasonal sides, and serve enough filling vegetables to satisfy a large portion of your appetite.
Once you're finished eating, clear the table immediately and either freeze the leftovers you'd like to keep or send guests home with reusable containers. Or, if you have untouched food that's still whole or in unopened packaging, take it to a local food bank or homeless shelter. We’d be happy to share a list of options in our area.
DONATE OR RECYCLE WHAT YOU CAN
Once the festivities are over, the real work on behalf of Mother Nature begins. This is the time when taking a few minutes at the end of your holiday celebration to swiftly collect wrapping paper and ribbons, unwanted packaging, and other discarded items can make a real environmental difference by reducing what you send to landfills. Your goal should be to reuse what you can and compost or recycle what's left over.
Trees that are sent to landfills release a potent greenhouse gas called methane. So, it’s important to properly dispose of a live tree, if you have one, so it can be recycled or composted. If you’re not sure how, reach out for a list of local options.
BOTTOMLINE
We can still celebrate a fun and festive season without draining our community’s resources or sending leftovers to the landfill. And remember, we’re here to lend a helping hand, now or in the new year. This is the perfect time to strategize your next move or set some real estate resolutions with personalized guidance from an expert. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.
Sources:
- Eco Watch -https://www.ecowatch.com/sustainable-decor-winter-holidays.html
- Architectural Digest - https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/best-holiday-and-seasonal-decor-for-the-environment
- The New York Times -https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/18/style/zero-waste-holiday.html
- Environmental Protection Agency -https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/heat-pumps
- S. Department of Energy -https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/appliance-and-equipment-standards-fact-sheet
- IRS -https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
- Energy Star -https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/sealing_window_door
- S. Department of Energy -https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats
- S. Department of Energy -https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-assessments
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- S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/reduce-waste-and-save-energy-holiday-season#
- Thred Up - https://newsroom.thredup.com/news/thredup-releases-thrift-for-the-holidays-report-revealing-that-new-waves-of-consumers-are-planning-to-gift-secondhand-this-year
- The Conversation - https://theconversation.com/the-4-biggest-gift-giving-mistakes-according-to-a-consumer-psychologist-195169
- Popular Science -https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/sustainable-holiday-strategies/
- Natural Resources Defense Council -https://savethefood.com/guestimator
- USDA -https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/10/04/usda-updates-foodkeeper-app-include-new-food-items
- S. Environmental Protection Agency -https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling
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- CNN -https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/25/us/real-or-artificial-christmas-tree-climate/index.html