Winter 2024
Winter Spruce
Holidays at their best are a celebration of our families and loved ones and a reminder to be grateful for what we already have. At their worst, they are monuments to consumerism and its waste.
Luckily, many people share that they would gladly receive gifts of experience over products. Experiences are frequently remembered long after a product has lost its use or novelty. Think about day trips or family passes to museums, movies or the zoo. Donate your time, money or gently used household items before the holidays. If you choose to go out for dinner, consider a locally owned restaurant. Shop locally to avoid excess packaging.
When it come to wrapping gifts, use recyclable wrapping paper, or reuse paper from previous years. Avoid wrapping paper with glitter, shine, or flocking, as these are usually coated with plastic or metal and can’t be recycled. Use reusable bags or boxes, or wrap gifts in newspaper or brown paper bags. Bubble plastic mailers must be returned to a store accepting plastic bags.
Only cook what you will eat, and plan for leftovers. Compost food scraps and waste. Consider using reusable dishes and service items at holiday parties. Store leftovers in reusable containers.
Choose to decorate with natural items like pine cones, sprigs, or dried flowers, avoiding plastic single-use decorations. Shop secondhand, swap with friends or community, or make your own.
