Our winter party season starts early (think Thanksgiving) and lasts well into the New Year. Here are five ways to show the planet some love while you celebrate.
- The great tree debate: If you buy an artificial Christmas tree, ensure it is made with eco-friendly materials and take good care of it so you can use it for as many years as possible (or donate it for someone else to enjoy). For those who prefer a fresh-cut tree, make sure it’s sustainably sourced, avoid unnecessarily long car rides to find it and dispose of it responsibly.
Potted evergreens work, too, but if you plan to plant it, ensure it has a root ball that is native to your area.
- Hosting a buffet or potluck? Ask guests to bring their own take-home containers. (Trust us, the initial awkwardness will quickly pass and the gesture will be appreciated.)
- Use energy-star-qualified LED lights or, better yet, go bulb-free: candles, the starry night sky and reflective ornaments and menorahs provide electricity-free holiday cheer.
- Mini-gardening pots make small but charming “gift boxes.”
- If you are hosting a gathering and gifts are part of the event, perhaps request one of these instead:
- Donations for a charity of choice
- Seed packets
- Reusable carry-out containers or shopping bags (see item 2)
- Gift certificates to local museums, concerts, restaurants, theatres and more.
