There are lots of ways to enjoy the holidays while being conscious about your impact on human health and the environment.  We offer the following ideas to inspire.  This is a big list, so just pick a place to start and do what you can.  You will find that being earth-friendly becomes easier over time.

As always, reach out to us if you have questions or need assistance.  Happy holidays!

• Concert tickets, museum memberships, cooking classes, sporting events
• Electronic gift cards to a restaurant
• Items made from natural materials like cotton, wool, hemp, jute, bamboo
• Items with minimal packaging or packaged in paper/cardboard rather than plastic
• Items made from recycled or upcycled materials
• Durable, practical items rather than mugs, candles, decor, figurines, novelty items
• Homemade baked goods and preserved foods

• Choose reusable materials like gift bags or fabric
• Use newspaper, old sheet music, or maps to wrap gifts
• Choose wrapping paper without glitter or foil (these can’t be recycled)
• Avoid plastic ribbon and, if needed, decorate gifts with sprigs or natural twine
• Save usable paper scraps and ribbons for future reuse
• Reuse boxes and tissue paper – avoid getting new ones from stores

• Avoid single-use, disposable decorations
• Choose earth-friendly materials (wood, metal, cotton, wool) or natural greenery
• Buy decorations or artificial trees from resale shops
• Buy real trees from a local source and compost them properly after the holidays
• Choose an artificial tree that doesn’t already have lights, so that it can be used for many years
• Use holiday lights sparingly and put your lights on a timer
• Use LED lights which are significantly more energy-efficient than traditional bulbs
• Recycle strands of holiday lights – we take them year-round at the Township!
• Donate unwanted decorations that are still in good condition
• Use candles made from beeswax and soy for your celebrations

• Save leftovers in reusable containers (not plastic bags)
• Compost what can’t be eaten
• Avoid single-use, disposable plates and cutlery – use reusable dishes, glasses, and utensils
• Choose seasonal fruits and vegetables

• Go for a walk in a local forest preserve and enjoy the winter landscape
• Bring family and friends together to cook a favorite meal
• Play games or cards
• Have a musical concert at home
• Volunteer your time to help those in need
• Donate to local nonprofit organizations