Three Ways to Reduce Wast During the Holiday Season

Throughout the holiday season more rubbish is produced than all other times of the year, with one study claiming 25% more rubbish is disposed of than average; this is mainly caused by increasing rates of entertaining and a prolonged period of gift-giving, which often involves wrapping papers and other disposables. Despite this, there are means to reduce waste during this time of year.

One is to use reusable materials for wrapping, such as cloth bows instead of tape, and where reusables are impossible to use, in wrapping paper for example, recyclable papers are often available. Reusable cloth sacks are also an option for avoiding any waste is gift wrapping. Wrapping multiple gifts into a single unit also saves resources and space, an added convenience.

Another means of reducing waste in gift-giving is the purchase of minimally packaged goods in the first place, which will have an environmental effect prior to the purchase; if it is not possible to avoid packaged goods, make an attempt to assure its recyclability.

Even with these strategies, some waste will still be produced from gift giving; however, this can be further minimized by reusing the remains of single use wrapping products when possible for other uses; small strings, tissue paper and intact wrapping paper can often be effectively down-cycled within a household for other uses.

These small steps can greatly decrease waste produced throughout the holiday season and are small enough not to require large alterations in routine or holiday tradition.