Let the unwrapping begin!

Tips for a more eco-friendly Holiday Season

Are you looking for ways to make your Holidays “greener” this year? Look no further! We have a few tips for you that may just be what you’re looking for. Firstly, remember these few basic guiding principles: reduce waste, including food waste, save energy and decrease pollution. 

In addition to those guiding principles, there are a few things we can do to reduce our carbon footprint over the Holidays. We can start by supporting local artisans. These folks have been working hard all year long to produce enough stock for the seasonal markets. Head to one – or two or three – over the next couple of weeks and browse the numerous gift options. Choose from fragrant soaps and bath bombs, candles, homemade jams, pickles and baked goods, wooden carvings, pottery bowls, jewelry… The choices are endless. Check the events pages on your community websites for market dates in your area.

Once you have your gifts, you can then choose more sustainable wrapping options. Think reusable. Use reusable gift bags, or old fabric scraps to wrap your gifts. You can make anything look nice with twine and pinecones. If you really want to use wrapping paper, choose ones that are made from recycled paper. There are lots of options to choose from.

In the decoration department, use timers for your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights to save energy (and lower your power bill). Once again, support local and buy wreaths and Holiday centrepieces from local vendors or your favourite flower shop.

Good luck with your eco-friendly Holiday efforts, and when you’re all done with your preparations, we hope you enjoy lots of rest and relaxation, as well as the company of your favourite people. Happy Holidays everyone!