Most typically, holidays are a time of indulgence. When festivities are in full swing, it is easy to go back to old habits that are not so eco-friendly and "green.” Because of that reason, many people might have misgivings when celebrating their favorite holidays and put an excess strain on the environment. 

However, with some creativity and effort, people can find ways to enjoy these special times while not making such a huge impact on the planet. The spirit of the holiday season doesn’t have to be related to money. Instead, here are some examples of how you can be more sustainable during the holidays and, at the same time, have a swell time doing so.

Alternative To Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper is mostly mass-produced. Even though it can easily be found in stores, it is not as recyclable because of its shiny coating, colors, and foils. Because of that, it ends up in landfills. Not to mention that sadly, most of these papers and ribbons are produced in Asian sweatshops. A vast amount of trees and water are used to create these products, yet it only exists to be torn off and thrown away. 

This is a chance where you can get creative. Instead of wrapping paper, you could use old maps, children's artwork, or even old comic sections in the newspaper as a wrapper. In some cases, you could also use a bandana or a scarf, and even a fancy towel, which by itself can be a part of the gift. 

For instance, you could go without wrapping your gifts altogether. For example, you could scatter unwrapped presents all around the house if you have small kids. That way, you can create a game where they are on a scavenger hunt, which will, for sure, make them happy. 

Innovative Gifts

No matter which holiday it is, it is a fact that it is all about spending it with the people you love. Even though giving a gift is a great way to show you appreciate someone, the gifts are not only about spending money. Too many people are focused on throwing their finances away without thinking about what they are actually getting someone. It can be frustrating sometimes as well, which experts from https://www.trvst.world/inspiration/plastic-free-gift-ideas/  would agree by saying: "Gift buying can be a challenge for anyone.” However, there is a solution to this issue.

Instead of giving someone a concrete product, you can be more imaginative. For instance, you can provide them with the opportunity to experience something that they might enjoy. Some of the examples of those gifts are: 

• Movie tickets

• Appointment at the massage parlor

• A seasonal park pass

• Concert tickets of their favorite artists

In case you would like to provide the ones you love with something purchasable,  think about things that will not make unnecessary clutter and eventually be thrown away. The best thing to do then is to make or buy something consumable, for instance:

• A homemade cocoa mix placed in a homemade jar

• DIY bath bombs that are placed in reusable cloths

• Any sort of baked goods that can be inside of a reusable Tupperware that is preferably not made out of plastic

Think About The Decor

To have sustainable holiday decor, you would have to go a little bit beyond just having LED string lights. You could make decorations on your own, for example, instead of buying faux plants from the local craft store. You could gather some natural decor outside in nature that can not only look good during the holiday season but can quickly be returned back to the wild once they are not needed anymore. 

For instance, you could use one cone and scatter branches around the house, which will be perfect winter decor items. Of course, it is important to make sure that you are allowed to gather resources in the area you are set off to go. Here are some examples of what you could use as natural decor:

• Ornaments made out of pinecones

• Garland made out of popcorn

• Twine stars and twigs

• All sorts of branches that can be made into wreaths and garlands

When the holiday season arrives, instead of just wastefully enjoying yourself with friends and family, try and think about what sort of impact you are having on your surroundings and the planet itself. It is easy to be overrun with consumerism these days. This advice will help you be more sustainable and give you a merry old-time during these special moments that you may have with your friends and family.