Zero-Waste Holidays

It’s almost here! Holiday season. A time for celebration– to gather with friends and family, be thankful, enjoy good food, and reduce your waste. That last one is not usually associated with the holidays unless you’re watching your waistline.

Is it even possible to have a zero-waste holiday? Perhaps by aiming high, collectively we can lower our waste. 

That doesn’t mean adding more stress to an already stressful time of year.

Zero-waste practices can actually reduce your stress by helping you to prioritize where you spend your time. And like a person with weight loss goals preparing to be surrounded by rich, decadent foods, you can learn to take in less while enjoying it more.

The first principle of zero-waste- to refuse and reduce- can help guide your decision-making. Saying “no thank you” to holiday traditions that do not bring you joy or align with your values. You can choose to do things differently.

What does that look like when it comes to lowering your waste?

Sharing Meals  

Suppose you already substitute cloth napkins for paper and use dishes and silverware (rather than single-use plastic) at mealtimes. In that case, you are ahead of the game to reduce paper/plastic waste at gatherings where food is served.

But what about when you have a large crowd or simply don’t want to wash dishes? For a disposable option, try using BPI compostable products. These are single-use cups, forks, knives, etc. made from compostable/plant-based material. You can find them at many retail stores including Impact Earth.  Be sure to dispose of them properly.  Just like food waste and other organics, they need to break down in a composting pile and not in a landfill.

And speaking of food waste, resist the urge to overconsume during the holiday season by following the advice given to people who are trying to keep their weight down: 

1) Take small portions or a sample size on your plate (this is useful when there are a lot of food choices) then go back for a second small helping of the foods you most enjoyed. 

2) Finish what’s on your plate before going back for another helping, If you practice #1, it’s possible to consume delicious foods and savor each bite without overeating or piling up waste.

Note if you’re hosting:  Reduce the plate and serving portion sizes on a buffet table. Encourage guests to bring a container to take home leftovers. Remind them that the food freezes well (and will make a great meal on a cold night in January). Share your favorite recipes for transforming leftovers into new dishes.

Gift Giving 

Reducing consumption is a foundational zero-waste principle, yet many of us show our love by buying gifts. You can still participate in the exchange by giving and asking for non-packaged items such as gifts of experience (tickets to a show, taking a class together, museum membership) or gifts of service (sharing a talent that you have). 

If you still desire to give a tangible item, consider making sustainable DIY gifts or hosting a Secret Santa/Yankee swap with a second-hand twist (exchange items from your home that you no longer use or were a great find from a thrift shop). Also, don’t forget to minimize packaging and find creative ways to wrap gifts such as using fabric scraps or pre-wrapping a box lid so that it can be reused. Reusable gift bags are also an easy option.   

Decorations and Events 

From that cookie exchange where everyone brings containers and leaves with a variety of delicious treats to decorating with live evergreens, you can have fun during the holidays while reducing your waste.

A New Normal

Imagine what it would be like if more people began shifting their consumption habits, developed new traditions, and had fun with some of the suggestions above.

It’s easy to become frustrated when you try something new with family and friends and it is received with eye rolls or you can’t make perfect choices all the time. Then it’s important to simply set a quiet example and celebrate even small accomplishments that lower your waste.

Trust that you’re part of a zero-waste community creating a “new normal” and enjoy sharing the holidays with those you care about.

We would love to hear about your favorite low-waste holiday traditions.

Send your thoughts to Nancy Steinkamp.