(Check out the holiday puzzles down below)!
Finally, it’s that time of the month! The prospect of shopping for different seasons in the second half of the year like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and especially Christmas incites the joy in those celebrating these holidays. So much so that we see people planning and putting up decorations months before the holidays!
But we have to ask ourselves, how much waste is being produced as a result of human engagement with these holidays?
According to Zero Waste Canada, “The average Canadian tosses about 50 kilograms of garbage over the holidays, 25% more than the rest of the year, thanks to the purchases of 3,000 tonnes of foil, 2.6 billion Christmas cards, and six million rolls of tape,” and this is all during the Christmas season alone. Most of the decorative goods that we buy are made up of non-biodegradable materials that contribute to the increase in waste around Christmas and New Year . From the glitters in ribbons to the dye on wrapping paper, recycling is made exceedingly difficult. If all this could be said for Christmas alone, what more could be said for Halloween, where people contribute to textile clothes by shopping for a new look each year?
According to the study conducted by the Environmental group Hubbub, 83% of Halloween costumes used are non-recyclable and oil-based plastics which means they are destined to end up in landfill, with 63% of them containing polyester which takes about 20-200 years to decompose. Also, the waste from pumpkin carving alone is something worth talking about. While pumpkin carving is a fun, engaging activity carried out by 10 million Canadians, most of the pumpkins used are tossed out instead of being recycled and reused, adding to overall waste generated from this festivity.
I understand the need to go all out for the holidays; I believe that we can do so sustainably while also creating and enjoying the same magic that these holidays bring!
Here are some tips to make your holidays a sustainable celebration!
Repurposing Old Decorations:
Simplifying the process by reusing decorations from past years or crafting from existing materials can significantly minimize waste. Ordering new decorations, regardless of the occasion, often involves non-recyclable packaging like film plastics, contributing to environmental impact through transportation-related carbon emissions.
Crafting a New Holiday Look:
With people buying 60 percent more clothing today than 15 years ago, and garments being retained for only half as long, the fashion industry’s environmental impact is substantial. To reduce your carbon footprint, consider embracing a more sustainable approach to fashion during the holidays. Rethinking your look or gifts can involve celebrating sustainable fashion by exploring vintage options, participating in clothing swaps, or supporting designers and brands committed to eco-friendly supply chains.
Sustain SU is hosting Green for Good Market Clothing as part of efforts to encourage sustainable fashion choices. Take advantage of this opportunity to refresh your holiday wardrobe in an eco-friendly manner.
Embracing Eco-Friendly Packaging and Local Shopping:
Modern businesses are increasingly adopting sustainable packaging options, such as corrugated cardboard and biodegradable pouches. Avoiding materials like styrofoam, film plastic, or bubble wrap—difficult to recycle—can further reduce environmental strain. Opting for locally made products and locally grown food not only supports the community economically but also reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
Switching to LED Lights:
Transitioning from traditional incandescent bulbs to LED lights proves beneficial due to their energy efficiency and longer lifespan. Despite a slightly higher upfront cost, LED bulbs offer a more sustainable and cost-effective choice for holiday lighting.
Happy holidays!
Written by Shonchari Subha & Muna Nwanisobi
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