Eco-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the Holidays 

The winter months are filled with many festive traditions that bring joy to homes, but at what environmental cost? According to the non-profit organization Zero Waste Canada, winter holiday traditions increase household waste by 25%. However, this doesn’t mean you have to abandon your holiday traditions; instead, consider replacing them with eco-friendly and enjoyable substitutes. Many of our suggestions apply to gatherings and gift-giving at any time of year, but some of our suggestions are specifically sustainable alternatives for traditional Christmas decorations. Here are some examples curated by The York School’s Eco Team:

Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping

• Wrapping paper that includes shiny foil or plastic is non-recyclable and neither are bows or ribbons.

• Replace the use of new wrapping paper by reusing old wrapping paper or old gift bags, using newspaper, kraft paper, old boxes, or cloth bags. 

• Feel free to add your own decorations to these and make them more personal!

Eco-Friendly Decorations

• Homemade garlands created with string, dried fruits like oranges, paper chains, popcorn and pine cones.

• Homemade ornaments made of paper origami, beads, or other household items. (This Pinterest board has lots of ideas to get you started.)

• Homemade wreaths, paper snowflakes, and hanging spices like cinnamon or herbs like sage.

Alternatives to Live Trees 

• Buy a reusable plastic tree that can be used every year (plus, you don’t have to worry about stringing lights).

• Consider getting a live tree in a pot that can be replanted outside after the holiday season. These are available in Toronto through Sheridan Nurseries. 

Eco-Friendly Food Options During the Holidays 

• Reduce meat consumption during the holidays by trying vegetarian meals (find inspiration on Pinterest or in cookbooks).

• Bake homemade gingerbread houses instead of buying kits (this is both fun and more delicious!).

Eco-Friendly Gift Giving

• Be conscious of the gifts you give; avoid tester kits or gifts that will not have a long use.

• Choose to give experiences (e.g., tickets or excursions) instead of physical gifts.

• Give donations as a gift on someone's behalf (perhaps to an organization protecting the environment).

These DIY ideas are fun activities to do with friends and families to get into the holiday spirit while being eco-friendly. This holiday, the Eco Team’s motto is “reduce, reuse and recycle”. We challenge you to make at least one conscious choice to reduce your waste and consumerism through our suggestions. Consider these ideas and more as your own gift to our planet and have an amazing Winter Break, York!