Sustainable Holidays

These two awesome resources on tips and tricks for sustainable holidays were created by Lauren Ascasibar, who just completed a couple of the sustainability courses I teach. They are shared here with her permission to help anyone interested in being a little more sustainable this holiday season.

If you’re curious, the menu idea was inspired by how the introductory course is set up to support students in choosing their assignments from a menu to help support meaningful learning and engagement. I wrote a blog post about this that you can check out as well: Building on learning science I created an assessment menu for my students. Here’s how it went

For an accessible version scroll past the images.

Sustainable Holiday Menu

Appetizers:

• Support local and sustainable stores
• Put holiday lights on timers/opt for LED lights
• Use reusable gift wrap / properly recycle used wrapping

Soups and Salads:

• Practice mindful gifting
• Choose natural and reusable decor
• Support local food banks and toy charities

Entrees:

• Limit food wastage / use ceramic dishes and cutlery
• Volunteer at local Shelters
• Donate warm clothes, blankets, and food to the homeless

Sustainable Holiday List

Decorations

• Consider using LED bulbs and placing holiday lights on a timer.
• Affordably decorate with DIY and upcycled/thrifted decor.
• Look into natural decorations like plants or garlands made from dried fruit!
• Opting for a reusable advent calendar that allows you to personalize the contents inside reduces plastic wastage.
• Using a free online platform like Pinterest for sustainable holiday decoration inspiration is recommended.

Gifting:

• When gifting this season, brainstorm practical gift ideas that are beneficial and long-lasting to the receiver.
• If you’re giving a physical item, consider supporting local businesses and using sustainable wrapping like old newspapers and reusable bags.
• Some sustainable and practical gift ideas: DIYs, first aid kits, reusable drinkware/Ziplocs/food containers/to-go cutlery, reusable cotton face rounds!

Hosting

• Plan the menu around what is in season and shop at local groceries
• Limit food wastage by sending guests home with leftovers
• Avoid plastic dinnerware and leftover containers
• Glass food containers (found at dollar stores) can be re-used throughout the year and are a great sustainable investment!

Community

• If able to, support your local food banks and toy charities through donations. Alternatively, you can support your community by volunteering at a local shelter or providing the homeless with resources (blankets / food / drinks).

Yourself

• Throughout the winter break, try to maintain a good sleep schedule and stay hydrated.
• On warmer days, consider going outdoors and getting fresh air.
• Re-charge by spending time with friends and family or doing things you enjoy

Have a good winter break!