The holiday season is upon us! 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 (www.use-less-stuff.com). 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; let’s keep our neighbors in business!
2) Bring a bag. Many stores still allow them if you bag your own items. Get into the habit of keeping reusable bags in your purse or car to make it easy to use them for all your purchases. Or, just decline the bag and carry your things.
3) Look at the origins of what you are purchasing. Try to place a priority on hand-made, regional and clean-industry items. Etsy has many beautiful upcycled options that give new life to old things. You can even find gift-quality second-hand items at consignment shops and upscale resale sites.
4) Investigate responsibly produced 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 emissions. Savethefood.com has a handy calculator that helps you determine how much you need to feed your family, so you can waste less. Reducing food waste will also save you money.
6) Eat less meat and dairy this season and pay attention to the source. Locally raised meat and dairy products are widely available, produce less pollution than factory farms and can help support regional family farms.
7) Challenge yourself to be creative when packaging a gift. Make the bag part of the gift by wrapping it in a scarf or bandana, or upcycle 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, when possible. Look for packaging and products made from recycled paper or cardboard, glass or natural fibers.
10) Smaller gatherings this year mean fewer disposables, so why not skip them all together? How lovely to use real dishes, cloth napkins and glassware.
From Go Green Highland Park
