It's that magical time of the year again! But let's be real, it's also when we tend to go a bit overboard with the waste. Did you know that during the holidays, about 60% of us admit to chucking out more stuff than usual? Think heaps of uneaten food, gift wrappings, and all sorts of packaging.
This is wild: In the U.S., we toss out 25% more trash from Thanksgiving to New Year’s compared to the rest of the year. That's according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. And get this, we throw away so much holiday ribbon that it could wrap around the Earth more than once!
With all the hustle and bustle, it's easy to forget about little things we can do at home to be more eco-friendly. But hey, making a few changes for a greener holiday isn't as tough as you might think. Here are five simple tips to keep it sustainable and fun.
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Winterize Your Home: You can really cut down on emissions just by getting your home ready for the cold weather. Think about sealing up windows and doors or upgrading to energy-efficient appliances. These small changes not only help the planet but can save you some cash too. Even turning down your thermostat a bit can make a big difference. If you're not sure where to start, consider a home energy assessment – do it yourself or get a pro.
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Eco-Friendly Decorations: Decorating is a blast, but a lot of store-bought decor is pretty wasteful. Try getting creative with secondhand items or stuff you find in nature, like pine cones and branches. If you do buy new decorations, look for eco-friendly options like LED lights. And if you’re picking out a Christmas tree, remember that real trees usually have a smaller carbon footprint than the fake ones.
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Shop Smarter: Online shopping is super convenient, but it's not great for the environment. Try hitting up vintage stores for unique gifts that are more eco-conscious. Gifting experiences or donating to a charity in someone's name can also be a great alternative. And if you really want to buy something, try to support local businesses.
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Green Your Holiday Dinner: Love your holiday roast? No problem! Just try sourcing meat from ethical sellers, or add more veggies to the mix. Planning your meal carefully can also reduce food waste. Remember, any leftovers can be frozen, or better yet, shared!
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Recycle and Donate: After the party's over, take a moment to sort out what can be reused, recycled, or donated. Upgrading gadgets? Recycle the old ones to save resources. If you've got a natural Christmas tree, find out how to recycle or compost it instead of just tossing it.
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In short, we can totally have a blast this holiday season without being too hard on our planet. And hey, if you're thinking about real estate moves or resolutions for the new year, don’t hesitate to reach out for a chat.
This is just friendly advice, not professional financial or legal guidance. Always good to check with the experts for your specific needs.
Cheers to a fun, eco-friendly holiday season! 🎄🌍✨
Sources:
- Eco Watch - https://www.ecowatch.com/sustainable-decor-winter-holidays.html
- Architectural Digest - https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/best-holiday-and-seasonal-decor-for-the-environment
- The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/18/style/zero-waste-holiday.html
- Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/heat-pumps
- U.S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/appliance-and-equipment-standards-fact-sheet
- IRS - https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
- Energy Star - https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/sealing_window_door
- U.S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats
- U.S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-assessments
- Kiplinger - https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/real-estate/t029-s001-12-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-winter/index.html
- U.S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/reduce-waste-and-save-energy-holiday-season#
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