Are you looking to embrace greener traditions while still celebrating the season’s cheer? It’s possible to be environmentally conscious and festive at the same time.
“Finding ways to reduce our waste and reuse materials at this time of year is at the heart of A2ZERO’s Circular Economy work,” Grace Franke said from the Office of Sustainability and Innovations at Ann Arbor Zero. “Whether it be using the same decorations and gift wrapping—gift bags!—from years past, or repairing old items to gift to those who will appreciate them more, keeping things from going to the landfill is a top priority – all year round, but especially now.”
Here are more ways to enjoy the holidays more sustainably, as “reduce, reuse, and recycle” applies to this season as well:
Decorations
Instead of buying new indoor/outdoor decor each year, reuse the ones you already have and store them carefully to make them last. If you want to add something new to your artistic repertoire, consider natural items, such as pinecones, holly branches with red berries, dried herbs, and evergreens. Potted rosemary or lavender plants can make fragrant and festive holiday “trees.” For a charming, old-fashioned touch, you can also cut out snowflake patterns from scrap paper and string popcorn.
Christmas trees
Consider purchasing a potted evergreen tree that you can plant in the spring. If you prefer a cut tree, find one from a sustainable farm that plants a few for every tree cut, and that can be composted afterward. If you have an artificial tree, continue using it for as many years as possible to reduce waste.
Choose LED lights on your home or tree for lighting, as they are more energy efficient. Solar-powered lights are also great for outdoor decorations. One can reduce the outdoor and indoor existing lights generally to use less energy.
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Hanukkah and Christmas overlap
This year, Hanukkah and Christmas overlap, with the first night of Hanukkah beginning on the evening of December 25. It’s a rare and unique coincidence that creates opportunities for families and communities with diverse traditions to celebrate together. Consider making a dreidel from plantable seed paper or scrap paper at home. Candles, for instance, are used in both Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations. Consider purchasing and lighting local soy candles, generally considered better for the environment.
Wrappings and gifts
Avoid buying new wrapping paper. Save and reuse paper from previous years, or get creative with newspapers, fabric or even blankets to wrap. You can decorate boxes with photos, old Christmas cards, or children’s drawings.
Instead of gifting items people may not need, consider giving experiences like concert tickets (such as at The Ark), a class at the Ann Arbor Art Center or memberships to local organizations. Regifting is another way to reduce waste, and you can find unique, antique treasures at secondhand stores.
Holiday cards
Send digital cards to reduce paper waste. If you prefer tangible cards, make your own from materials you already have or reuse old cards by adding new messages inside.
Pay it forward
Consider donating to a local charity or worthy non-profit, such as Safe House, Food Gatherers or Alpha House, in someone’s name instead of buying products. You could also create gift bags or boxes for others of clothing you no longer wear or donate gently used appliances. Volunteer at a school, help by writing a community newsletter, or contribute to an eco-focused nonprofit. These acts of kindness can spread holiday cheer while reducing consumption.
Food
When planning a festive meal, try to buy local foods to reduce transportation costs and support nearby farms. You can also prepare meals around locally sourced produce or give locally made gifts like honey, baked goods and spices.
“As for food, we’ve just started accepting recipe submissions (online at osi.a2gov.org/cookbook) for The Community Cookbook, which will feature recipes, tips, and stories submitted by the Ann Arbor community to highlight food’s unique role in creating a more sustainable, equitable and resilient future for Ann Arbor,” Franke said.
Create outdoor traditions
Instead of energy-intensive indoor activities, consider starting new traditions outdoors. Enjoy a nature walk, watch dogs play at a pop-up park or build a bonfire. These activities connect you with nature and the community while celebrating the season.
By making a few thoughtful choices, you can keep the holiday spirit alive while caring for our planet. Happy, sustainable holidays!
Donna Marie Iadipaolo is a writer, journalist, and State of Michigan certified teacher, since 1990. She has written for national publications like The Village Voice, Ear Magazine of New Music, Insurance & Technology, and TheStreet.
She is now writing locally for many publications, including Current Magazine, Ann Arbor Family, and the Ann Arbor Independent. Her undergraduate degree is from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, where she graduated with an honors bachelor’s degree and three teacher certificate majors: mathematics, social sciences, English. She also earned three graduate degrees in Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Education Specialist Degree.
