The holiday season approaches! During the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, we dump 25% more trash into the waste stream: that’s 25 million tons, according to Use Less. Consumption has other devastating effects, from increased carbon dioxide output to unsustainable resource usage. Together we can reduce our environmental impact this holiday season. Here are some simple ways to turn Black Friday into Green Holidays:
1) Shop locally. That means fewer transportation costs and CO2 emissions. It also helps the local economy!
2) Bring a bag. Get into the habit of keeping reusable bags in your purse or car to make it easy to remember to use them for all your purchases, not just groceries.
3) Look at the origins of what you are purchasing. Try to place a priority on hand-made, regional and clean industry items.
4) Investigate alternative food items. Look for fair trade-certified chocolate and coffee products. The certification indicates better treatment of workers and the environment
5) Food waste is the second biggest contributor to greenhouse gas! This handy calculator helps you determine how much you need to feed your guests, so you can waste less.
6) Eat less meat and dairy this season and pay attention to the source. Locally raised meat and dairy products are widely available, and produce less pollution than factory farms.
7) Challenge yourself to be creative when packaging a gift. This can be as easy as putting a gift in a reusable bag, wrapping it in a scarf or bandana, or using the Sunday comics as wrapping paper.
8) Donate to charitable causes that will improve the planet, or ask for a charitable donation instead of a store-bought gift.
9) Avoid plastic, especially single-use products, which includes take-out or take-home foods and beverages. Bring your own containers for leftovers.
10) Entertaining doesn’t have to mean throw-aways. Cleaning up can be a group project that includes great conversation and satisfaction. How lovely to use real dishes, cloth napkins and glassware.
Less garbage feels good!
From Go Green Highland Park
