5 Ways To Reduce Your Carbon Footprint This Holiday Season
By Ella Saddler
It is easy to get swept up in the chaos of the holiday season - over committing, traveling left and right, and working to keep up with all of those goals and commitments you’ve set and worked towards all year long. We believe in small steps towards a more sustainable future and we are here to help you set small goals to conquer even during the busiest time of year. Read on for a few helpful tips on how to reduce your carbon footprint this holiday season. Remember that you don’t have to do everything perfectly to make a difference.
Offset your Carbon Footprint
If you are flying, use a carbon offset program to offset the carbon footprint of your flight.
Cool Effect is a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals, organizations and businesses of all sizes reduce their carbon emissions then offset what remains with the highest quality carbon offsets on the planet. Flying takes a lot of energy which means it releases a lot of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. When you buy carbon offsets, you pay to take the planet-warming carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere in exchange for the greenhouse gases you put in. For example, you can put money towards replanting trees, which absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Browse sites such as Green-e, Gold Standard and Cool Effect to find a reputable project to support.
Read more about this How Do I Offset My Carbon Footprint from Flying? And Are Carbon Offsets a Good Idea?
Choose Reusable
Pack your reusable coffee cup, water bottle, and utensils so you have them wherever you go! This way you won’t need to use single use utensils, water bottles and coffee cups. Consider taking your appetizers or casseroles in a glass dish instead of a single use dish. If you’re planning to take leftovers home from a party or a cookie exchange think ahead and take your stasher bags, reusable containers.
Our Picks:
Gift Wrap Sustainably
Not all wrapping paper can be recycled. It’s tricky that way! Opt for options such as craft paper, twine, and washi tape that are all fully biodegradable and compostable. For more information read our article on Sustainable Gift Wrapping.
Our Picks:
Kraft Paper - $10
Washi Tape - $3.50
Twine - $6
Recycling & Composting
Be mindful of your recycling and composting resources. If you are traveling for the holidays and are not aware of the recycling practices, prepare to avoid recycling mishaps. Read more in our article How To Recycle: Recycling Dos and Don’ts.
We are aware that not everyone composts (progress over perfection, right?). So compost when you can or better yet, know someone that is interested in composting? Get them a compost starter kit with a countertop compost bucket and/or information about their local compost resource!
Our Picks:
Compost Bucket - $46
Shop Small & Shop Sustainably
Shopping small local businesses supports your community and also reduces your carbon footprint from shipping. Make sure to be shopping small businesses local to your area!
Shop sustainably from brands that are operating with circular methods of design, manufacturing and production. A bonus if they offer carbon neutral shipping!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ella Saddler is a Contributing Writer for SISTAIN and has a background in design, dance, and visual arts. She celebrates her love of nature, beauty, and connection through her passion for living mindfully and sustainably.
