“Making the Festive Season Eco-Friendly: How to Get the Most Out of Your Holiday with Less Impact On the Environment.”
Every year, around the holidays, our collective carbon footprints are drastically increased, as we travel around to visit family, friends, and destinations around the world. December is often a time of excessive energy usage, with people plugging in decorations, and it’s easy for our activities this time of year to be unsustainable. To ensure that the holiday season is a little more eco-friendly, we’ve put together some tips on how to make the most of this time without damaging the planet too much.
Firstly, it’s important to consider your travel plans. If you are travelling by plane, car, or boat, make sure to look into sustainable alternatives such as using trains instead. Trains are often much cheaper and more energy-efficient than their carbon dioxide-emitting counterparts, reducing your carbon footprint as well as your costs. If travelling by car is unavoidable, look into carpooling or renting an electric vehicle, and don’t forget to turn off the engine while you are waiting in traffic.
If you prefer to stay close to home and staycation this holiday season, you can still adopt some eco-friendly practices. Consider renting a bike or even an e-bike to get around, as this is significantly less damaging to the environment than driving a car. You can also commit to green activities such as visiting local farms, forests, or national parks to learn about the importance of sustainability. Additionally, you can use the opportunity to get creative with your decorations and opt for recycled and repurposed pieces instead of buying new decorations that are likely made from unsustainable materials.
On top of sustainability tips, it’s important to also pay attention to the waste we create during this time of year. The average American generates about 1.7 pounds of waste on the holidays, which further contributes to an already large waste disposal problem. To reduce this number, try to buy packaging-free items wherever possible, and opt for reusable food containers and bags when shopping. It’s also important to compost all organic waste and recycle whatever you can.
Finally, don’t forget to appreciate the natural beauty that comes with the holiday season. We often let the hustle and bustle of the holidays take over and forget to savour the chill in the air, the orange sunsets, and the starry night sky. Spending time in nature is a great way to destress, so why not go for a walk in the nearby park and take a few moments to appreciate the gifts of the season.
If we all make an effort to consider the environment when celebrating the holidays, we can make a significantly positive impact on the planet. From travel to decorations to waste disposal, small adjustments can go a long way in ensuring that our celebrations are less overwhelming to the environment. So this season, let’s make sure our holiday cheer doesn’t come with a too hefty carbon footprint.
