5 Tips for an Eco- Friendly Holiday

By Karlyn Ohanley, NSEN Journalism Volunteer

Whether you’re shopping for someone special, decking the halls or prepping festive meals you can still have a green holiday. The increased amount of plastic packaging and waste that is produced this time of year doesn’t have to turn you into Scrooge. Get into the eco-friendly holiday spirit with these five tips.

This year the holidays might look a little different. But it’s here and time we spread some cheer; for all to have a wonderful festive season. From decorations to food, eco-friendly and sustainable options are available in-store, online and at your local farmers’ markets.

Make it personal

Despite it being called paper, not all wrapping paper can be recycled. It’s important to use recyclable paper; brown paper is best. Make your gifts extra personal by using colourful pens or paints, twine and some dried herbs rather than shiny bows and ribbon. 

The glittery, shiny patterns and laminated paper end up in a landfill. Plus, your gift will be a genuine hit that will be remembered for the care and time you put in. 

The arts-n-crafts lovers, this is your jam and for those less artistically inclined check out some colorful recycled wrapping options online, and don’t forget the eco-friendly gift tags and sticky tape.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle your food container

For the master’s of holiday, cuisine makes it a greener holiday with reusable containers, beeswax wraps and paper bags to reduce waste and single-use plastics. The holidays come only once a year so dust off your china and set out the silverware, you’ll add style to the celebration and minimize single-use plastic waste.

If you do need extra serving dishes visit your local thrift store for some great deals and a repurposed solution. Remember, when selecting fresh produce to go for loose options instead of buying

pre-prepared or multipack vegetables. The price points on to-go items are significantly higher, so you’ll save money while helping the planet.

Shop local

This time of year, there are so many delicious holiday recipes to tantalize the taste buds, the season is pretty much a cornucopia of delectable dishes. And a surprising number of the ingredients needed can be purchased locally.

When you buy food grown locally it directly reduces greenhouse gas emissions that come from production and transportation.

When you take the time out to shop at the farmers’ market you're supporting local manufacturing, material sourcing and supporting local communities. In most Canadian regions groceries can be purchased online check your neighborhood google listings and Facebook groups for updates on markets in your area.

Cook a planet-friendly plant-based meal over the holiday season

The UN Food and Agricultural Organisation estimates that between 30 and 50 per cent of all food produced is wasted each year. You can help conserve food waste and add some variety to your festive meals by cooking a plant-based meal over the holiday season.

What about a tantalizing mushroom wellington or a seasonal butternut squash roast stuffed with spicy peppers and rice both make an excellent main dish. Then use the leftovers and transform them into soup, chips or roasted vegetables. Wrap up your scrumptious vegan meal with a key lime pie contrived of silken tofu, who knew going green this holiday would be so tasty?

Sticking with the theme of food, what if your decorations were good enough to eat?

For a greener season, resist the temptation to deck the halls with tinsel and plastic. Instead set aside an afternoon to bake some ornaments. Gingerbread decorations aren’t just tasty but they’re zero-waste too- which is ideal for the planet!

Baked or dried orange slices are festive for stringing with twine into garlands and go great with freshly popped popcorn and bright red cranberries.

The holidays can be a wasteful time but our choices matter and do make a difference. If you’re new to going green, you can start small and commit to one new eco-friendly option that works for you and grow from there. You’ll be surprised by how quickly you’ll start noticing ways you can switch to more eco-friendly options.

Eco-Friendly Holiday Tip Wrap Up

A.  If you can make it at home - make it

B.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle 

C. Shop and eat locally, with limited packaging 

D. Create or source edible holiday decorations