Give the Gift That Keeps on Giving—To the Planet
The holidays are often a time for giving, but what if, instead of just giving gifts, we gave a little something back to the planet? If you haven’t been following along with the 12 Days of Christmas: Sustainability Style blog series, now’s your chance to follow along! We've been exploring eco-friendly swaps for everything from wrapping paper to plant-based products, all aimed at reducing the mountains of waste that pile up every holiday season. We have four more days left in the series so please refer to the website for more insightful tips this holiday season.
12 Days of Christmas: Sustainability Style
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Here’s a wake-up call:
Americans generate 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day than any other time of year, adding up to an estimated 1 million extra tons of waste per week. That’s a lot of holiday cheer, and a lot of trash. From disposable decorations to plastic packaging, the holiday season is often a time of excess—and it's starting to take a toll on the planet. In 2024 alone, studies predict that nearly 30% of all plastic waste will come from single-use items during the holidays.
But here’s the thing. I get it. Making the switch to more sustainable habits isn’t easy. It’s hard to change, especially when convenience has become the default. I’ve been there too—fighting my own habits, sticking to what’s quick and easy. But the good news? We can train ourselves to adopt new habits. Just like learning to tie our shoes or switching to a new favorite coffee, it’s possible to rewire our brains. Small, consistent changes really do add up over time. And this holiday season? It’s the perfect opportunity to start.
So why not take a break from the usual consumer-driven frenzy and gift the planet something a little more thoughtful this year?
Instead of adding to the pile of waste, let’s reduce it by swapping out single-use plastics, embracing plant-based products, and making conscious choices about packaging and energy use. Yes, it takes a little extra effort, but it’s worth it. These simple swaps can help reduce the millions of tons of plastic waste that end up in our oceans or landfills every year. We can start to make a real difference.
It’s not just about feeling good either—there’s a compelling reason behind these changes. The planet is on a ticking clock, and the resources we’re rapidly depleting take centuries to regenerate. The fossil fuels, trees, and minerals we’ve been consuming at an unsustainable rate won’t be here forever, and while the holidays come and go, the impact of our choices is long-lasting.
As we wind down the 12 Days of Christmas: Sustainability Style blog series, I’ve compiled a list of my personal Top 10 favorite sustainable swap ideas not just for the holidays, but to incorporate into your daily life anytime of the year too. Check it out!
Author’s Pick: Top 10 Favorite Sustainable Swaps for the Holidays
Each of these swaps is a small step toward a more sustainable holiday season, and together, they can make a big impact on the planet. Remember, the holidays aren’t just a time for giving gifts—they’re a time to rethink how we give back to the planet. So, let’s keep making small, positive changes one day at a time. Happy sustainable shopping!