Organized For Good’s Need-To-Know Holiday Tips For A Sustainable Season: Less Waste, More Joy!
The holidays are a time of joy, togetherness, and gift-giving. Unfortunately, this season also comes with a lot of waste. But with a little creativity, we can make choices that honor the planet while still embracing the magic of the season. Here are some sustainable tips for making your holidays a little greener:
1. Rethink the Wrapping
Recycle certain wrapping waste: Many types of wrapping paper are recyclable, but skip glittery or embossed options—they belong in the trash.
Donate giftwrapping supplies: Leftover bows, ribbons, and wrapping paper rolls can be donated to places like Austin Creative Reuse Center (ACR).
Sustainable Alternatives: Use craft paper, old maps, or reusable fabric wraps. Add a sprig of greenery for an elegant, eco-friendly touch.
Explore Austin Creative Reuse or look for a material donations appointment on their site.
2. Shop–or Craft–With Intention
Avoid the panic buy: It's easy to grab random items at the last minute. Instead, take a deep breath and choose gifts with intention. Make a list of people, brainstorm ideas, then proceed with intention!
Thrifted or handmade gifts: Find something unique at a secondhand store or craft a gift from the heart—think homemade cards, jams, or knitted scarves.
3. Give the Gift of Experiences
Instead of tangible items, gift experiences like tickets to a concert, a membership to a museum, or a gift card to a favorite local restaurant.
4. Choose Consumable Gifts
Food and drinks are gifts nearly everyone appreciates! Bake cookies, infuse olive oils, or create a hot cocoa kit. These gifts are thoughtful and declutter themselves…not many gifts can say that!
5. Decorate Sustainably
Opt for LED lights to save energy and decorate with natural elements like pinecones, branches, or dried oranges, which can be composted afterward.
6. Be Thoughtful About Packaging
Save and reuse gift bags, boxes, and tissue paper. They can often last several seasons with care.
Make space for your gift wrapping gear and any presents you ended up not giving away this year. If you have a station for these items, it makes host gifts and last-minute gifts a little easier for the next year.
By adopting just a few of these habits, you can help make this holiday season a little kinder to the earth. Sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrificing joy—it’s about finding ways to celebrate that feel good for you, your loved ones, and the planet.
