Celebrate Warmth & Connection with Sustainable Holidays

By: Lexie Kasper, ODC Network

 Spread the news: holidays centered around overconsumption, excessive waste, and impersonal gifts are out. Holiday celebrations that are genuine and centered on connection, with gifts that aren’t focused on the price tag but on the receiver’s personality, are IN! As we enter this season, check out these tips to reduce waste, lower stress, and enjoy what matters most. 

 Decorations can be purchased from local stores and markets, or made by you! Local shops and craft markets offer beautiful items that often last longer than mass-produced decor from online retailers or big-box stores. Purchasing from thrift stores or Facebook Marketplace is another great way to find ready-to-go decor at a bargain. Avoid buying decor that can’t be reused in future years.

 Handmade decorations will enhance the cozy atmosphere this time of year. If you’re unsure where to start, check out the options at Herrick District Library! They offer a variety of arts and crafts experiences for all ages. The Holland Area Arts Council is another great place to tap into your creative side, offering classes for both youth and adults. These crafts offer great opportunities to make memories with loved ones as well.

 When it comes to twinkling lights, choose LED string lights for decorating inside and outside your home. These lights consume significantly less energy, emit little to no heat, and are more durable! We recommend putting those twinkling lights on a real tree rather than a fake one. Purchasing trees from local tree farms helps support the local economy, local agricultural preservation, and the City of Holland will pick up trees in January and properly compost them.

Gifts are another major aspect of the holidays. When giving gifts, remember the saying “quality over quantity.” Consider giving admission passes to museums, waterparks, and zoos. You could also gift classes to help someone pursue their passions, or concert and sports tickets. When thinking about what makes a meaningful gift, don’t underestimate the personal touch that comes with giving someone a handmade gift, especially if it has a reference to something they love–like their pet or favorite music artist.

When wrapping gifts, try using plain paper, bandanas, tea towels, or pillowcases! You can also purchase reusable decorative boxes or bags. If you already have reusable items for gifts being given in your home, keep track of them and pack them away with the rest of your holiday decor to store for next year. Avoid wax-coated paper, glitter, and excessive adhesive.

When gathering with family and friends, try to carpool or take public transportation as much as possible! For group meals, avoid using single-use utensils, plates, and cups. Consider making large batches of drinks to avoid single-use plastic bottles. Remind guests to bring Tupperware so leftovers can be divided, helping avoid a mountain of mashed potatoes going to waste.

If you're traveling instead of hosting, make sure to reduce energy use in your home while you’re gone! Unplug non-essential items like TVs, toasters, gaming consoles, lamps, and electric tools. Leave your router/modem, refrigerator, and anything related to your security system plugged in. Turn the heat down to around 60°F—low enough to save energy, but not so low that your pipes could freeze.

Producing some waste is inevitable, and you can compost and recycle where possible. You can recycle plain paper, clean aluminum cans, glass jars, and cardboard boxes. Check out the Holland BPW’s guide to recycling to learn more! 

 Whether it’s the memories made from creating decorations, the satisfaction from sending your guests home with delicious leftovers, or the sincere connection from giving a purposeful gift, these changes will make your season merry and bright!

Lexie Kasper is the Conservation Outreach Coordinator for the ODC Network.