Image Generated by ChatGPT
The holiday season is approaching. Want to have a happy holiday season while doing something good for the environment at the same time? Well, here is a list of suggestions to consider (made with some help from ChatGPT).
Below are some eco-friendly holiday season conservation activities to enjoy while also helping to protect the environment:
- Eco-Friendly Decorations
- Use Natural Decor: Collect pinecones, branches, holly, and other natural items to create wreaths, centerpieces, or ornaments. Use beeswax candles.
- DIY Ornaments: Make ornaments from recycled materials like paper, fabric, or even old holiday cards.
- LED Lights: LEDs use less energy and can help conserve electricity throughout the season.
- Solar-Powered Lights: Use them outdoors, such as icicle lights, fairy lights, and inside light-up reindeer and sleighs. You can also use solar-powered lights to decorate your garden path with stake lights shaped like candy canes, snowflakes, or snowmen. However, it is not recommended that you put decorations on solar panels.
- Sustainable Holiday Trees
- Buy a Potted Tree: You can replant it after the holiday season or keep it for next year.
- Use a Recycled/Reusable Tree: If an artificial tree is your choice, invest in one made from recycled materials and reuse it for many years.
- Tree Recycling Programs: If you use a real tree, recycle it through local tree recycling programs, which often turn trees into mulch or compost.
- Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
- Use Reusable Wrapping Materials: Try fabric wraps, reusable bags, or scarves instead of traditional paper.
- Repurpose Newspapers or Magazines: Get creative with recycled paper as gift wrap. You might want to avoid using headlines about election results.
- Gift Experiences: Instead of physical gifts, consider giving experience-based gifts, like event tickets, cooking classes, or memberships to local parks or museums.
- Support Conservation Charities
- Donate to Conservation Charities: Donate in the name of friends or family to charities that protect wildlife and natural habitats. Please consider giving to The Conservation Foundation.
- Adopt an Animal: Many organizations allow you to symbolically adopt endangered animals, and you get a certificate or small gift to give as a present.
- Sponsor a Tree: Some conservation organizations offer programs where you can plant or sponsor trees on behalf of someone.
- Host a Zero-Waste/Eco-Friendly Holiday Gathering
- Use Reusable Tableware: Skip disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. Use reusable options, even if it means borrowing or renting extras.
- Compost Food Scraps: Set up a compost bin for food scraps from your holiday meal. Although you will try to avoid waste, this does not mean you have to finish your drink.
- Encourage Sustainable Transportation: If possible, encourage guests to carpool or use public transport to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Support Local and Organic: Shop for locally sourced or organic foods for holiday meals to reduce your carbon footprint and support local farmers.
- Eco-Friendly Seasonal Greeting Cards
- Send Digital Cards: Cut down on paper waste by sending e-cards instead.
- Choose Recycled Cards: If you prefer physical cards, look for ones made from recycled materials.
- Repurpose Old Cards: Turn last year’s cards into new ones or use them for gift tags or crafts. This could be problematic with cards that have a year on them.
- Give Back to Nature
- Organize a Community Clean-Up: Gather friends and family to clean a local park or beach as part of your holiday celebration.
- Plant Trees or Native Plants: Planting trees or native species is a great way to restore habitats and support local wildlife.
- Wildlife-Friendly Feeders: Set up bird feeders or habitats for local wildlife to support them during winter.
- Activities: Participate in activities like nature hikes, birdwatching, or tree-planting events with family and friends. You may want to join The Conservation Foundation’s Winter Chloride Watchers.
Regardless of how you choose to celebrate this holiday season, these conservation-focused activities can make your holidays and end-of-year celebrations both joyful and impactful!
Ready to protect the environment? Well, that is what The Conservation Foundation does every season of the year. We can all do more together than we can alone. Join our collective momentum – become a member today!
Feel free to comment on this blog with your ideas on environmentally friendly activities for your favorite holiday season.
By Steve Stawarz, Oak Brook
DuPage County Advisory Council Member
