Celebrate a Greener Holiday Season: Tips to Make Your Festivities More Sustainable

Celebrate a Greener Holiday Season

Simple Tips to Make Your Festivities More Sustainable

Make a difference this holiday season by taking small steps that can have a meaningful impact on the environment. From reducing waste to lowering your carbon footprint, there are simple yet effective ways to enjoy the holidays more sustainably. By making mindful choices—such as opting for reusable wrapping materials, supporting eco-conscious brands, or embracing sustainable holiday decor—you can help preserve the beauty of the season for generations to come.

And since it’s the season of giving, why not share these eco-friendly tips with family and friends to spread the word and inspire others to make greener choices? Together, we can create lasting positive change while enjoying the traditions we love.

Green Gift Wrapping Tips

• Reuse newspaper and paper bags in place of wrapping paper for gifts. Don’t forget to recycle the paper afterward – just remove the tape.
• Another creative idea for wrapping: use gently used scarves, handkerchiefs, or tea towels for difficult items. You can also package edible gifts using glass bottles or reusable tins.

Shop Smart, Shop Sustainable

• Bring reusable bags when you go shopping – not just at the grocery store but at every store.
• Buy products made with recycled content to help “close the loop” and support the recycling industry.
• Consider sending e-cards, make your own, or buy cards made with recycled content.

Eco-Friendly Gatherings

• When entertaining, cut down on excess waste and use real dishware and cutlery instead of disposable plastic, foam, or paper plates and utensils.
• Also, use cloth tablecloths and napkins instead of paper options.
• Make recycling easy for guests. Place recycling bins beside every trash bin, and make sure the products you provide can be reused or recycled.
• Reduce your carbon emissions by coordinating carpools with family and friends to holiday get-togethers.

Embrace Nature’s Charm: Sustainable Holiday Decor

• Make natural decorations. Instead of using plastic décor, find things in nature, including pine cones and evergreen branches.
• Buy a live, potted Christmas tree to decorate — then plant it in your backyard (if you have one!) after the holiday.
• If you do cut down a tree, be sure to recycle it after the holiday. Click here to check locally (opens in a new tab).

By choosing to think more sustainably this holiday season, you’re not only making a positive impact on the environment, but you’re also supporting the Greatest American Cleanup™️.

The Greatest American Cleanup is a Keep America Beautiful initiative with the goal of removing 25 billion pieces of litter from nation’s landscape and beautifying 25,000 communities by July 4, 2026, in time for America’s 250th birthday. We’re asking everyone to pledge their commitment to this important effort—join us today and help create a cleaner, greener future!

Click HERE to join the movement.

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About Keep America Beautiful®:

Keep America Beautiful, the nation’s leading community improvement nonprofit organization, inspires and educates people to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environment. Established in 1953, Keep America Beautiful strives to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities. Join us on Facebook (opens in a new tab), Instagram (opens in a new tab), X (opens in a new tab), LinkedIn (opens in a new tab), and YouTube (opens in a new tab). Donate and take action at kab.org.

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McCall Vrydaghs

Keep America Beautiful®