Is it better for the environment to cut down a live Christmas tree or to buy an artificial one?
What about gift ideas that are high on joy but low on carbon? Can wrapping paper be recycled?
Each holiday season, some of the environmental progress made over the previous 11 months to reduce waste and carbon emissions gets wiped out during one month of excessive eating, increased traveling and swapping gifts packaged in plastic. Americans’ waste production jumps 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, for example, adding an extra 1 million tons of waste to landfills each week.
Fortunately, there are more options than ever to help you trim the waste and the carbon this holiday season without scrapping your traditions or turning into Scrooge. But the holidays can be stressful enough without feeling the need to stop and research the environmental consequences of each decision. So we did the research, gathering data and talking to Southern California experts to get their favorite tips for making this holiday season more sustainable.
The great tree debate
Aside from getting crafty and building a Christmas “tree” out of recycled materials, such as a stack of books, the most environmentally friendly option is to buy a live, potted Christmas tree and bring it inside to use year after year. This avoids growing, watering and cutting a new tree each year, and driving to pick it up. If the tree gets too big, you can plant it in your yard or give it someone with space to do so, where it will help keep the air clean.
Potted trees do tend to be more expensive. Plus, a living tree needs a year-round home. That’s where the newest option — to rent a live Christmas tree — comes in.
Companies typically charge a flat fee to deliver and set up a potted, living Christmas tree, let you keep it through the holiday, pick it up after Christmas and take it back to their property for care throughout the year. This is the priciest choice, with rental prices typically starting at around $150. And, to date, few companies offer the option. That means services like RentALiveChristmasTree.com, which rents trees to residents throughout Los Angeles, already is booked out for this season and taking reservations for Christmas 2023.
The next best option from a sustainability standpoint is to buy a cut Christmas tree grown as close to home as possible, with multiple farms throughout Southern California. Before they’re felled, these trees are helping clean the air. And farmers replant annually, which keeps that cycle going.
The vast majority of artificial Christmas trees are shipped from China and other Asian countries, leaving a substantial carbon footprint. Most can’t be recycled, which means they’ll eventually end up in landfills. But the carbon equation can shift if you can find an artificial tree made in the United States and reuse it for at least five years, or if you buy a used one.
Either way, aim to keep your tree out of a landfill after it’s served its purpose. For a live tree, have your waste hauler pick it up to be turned into mulch, or compost it on your own. For an artificial tree, consider donating it or carefully chop it up and use the “branches” to make wreaths and garland.
Light it right
When it comes to holiday lights on trees or houses, swapping out incandescent bulbs for LED lights will reduce electricity use by 75% or more, trimming your utility bill along the way. The change also lowers the fire risk, since LED lights don’t get hot.
But before you throw old lights out, try to recycle them. Your local waste hauler or hardware store might take them. You also can donate them, paint the bulbs and use them to make Christmas crafts, or ship the strands to a company such as Christmas Light Source.
Also, consider turning holiday lights off before you go to bed; you’ll save electricity and reduce light pollution that can negatively impact wildlife. Using a programmed timer makes it simple.
Give joy, not carbon
There’s a basic rule of thumb for sustainable gifting: the less new stuff exchanged, the better. That’s because making and transporting goods generally creates emissions, and most items eventually end up in landfills.
For Thea Pauely, owner and founder at Eco Now, a zero waste store with locations throughout Orange County and in Riverside, that means gifting experiences such as massages and whale watching trips. Think theater tickets, a round of golf, a painting class, a prepaid car wash or a museum membership.
If you do want to buy physical products, “Avoid cheaper, throw-away kinds of gifts, especially if they’re imported,” said Edric Guise, leader of the Long Beach/South Bay chapter of the Citizens’ Climate Lobby. Instead, Guise said, try to support small businesses that sell locally-made items or buy “classic, reused gifts” at swap meets, antique stores or fairs.
You can also consider gifting something you made, or consumables such as coffee, wine or local foods. Or share products that can help the recipient live more sustainably, such as a steel water bottle (to replace plastic bottles) or a composting bin.
When shopping in person, take reusable shopping bags and plan your route to make the trip efficient. Otherwise, online shopping can be the more sustainable option. Just aim to group items together to cut down on trips and skip fast delivery options. Then recycle, donate or reuse shipping boxes.
Lastly, beware of “greenwashing,” where companies promote products as sustainable but don’t live up to the hype. Search the company through services such as EthicalMadeEasy and look for trusted certifications such as LEED, B Corp or Green Business Bureau.
Wrap it up
Lots of trees get chopped down to make the wrapping paper we use each Christmas. So when it’s time to wrap and decorate those sustainable presents you’ve found, consider using materials you already have around the house, such as fabric scraps, old maps, newspaper or kid’s artwork. Or opt for something that can be reused, such as a mason jar, tea towel, bucket or reusable tote bag.
As for adornments, use fabric ribbon, old Christmas cards, ornaments found at thrift stores or natural materials such as twigs to jazz them up.
If you’re buying new wrapping paper, look for choices made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Then, after you’ve unwrapped those gifts, reuse or recycle the paper. Many common types of wrapping paper are recyclable, though paper that has glitter, chemical dyes and other features are red flags. Check the label to see if it has the recycling logo or scrunch the material up in your hand. If it stays crinkly, it can likely be recycled.
Eat wisely
To responsibly enjoy all the edible goodness that comes with the holidays, the best thing you can do is to shop locally — starting with your own fridge and pantry. Don’t buy things you don’t need. Then make a clear shopping list and stick to it, so you don’t buy extras that might later go to waste.
After shopping at home, head to your local farmers market. If you have to move on to the grocery store, look for products grown or made as close to home as possible with natural ingredients.
Eating less meat also is good for the planet. So consider swapping one meat-based item on your traditional holiday menu for a plant-based version.
Another thing to leave off the menu, per Pauely: single-use serving items, such as paper plates and plastic cups. Rent real dishes and cutlery if you don’t have enough.
After the holiday meal ends, send leftovers home with guests and freeze whatever you know you won’t eat soon. If you still have food left, contact local food banks or hand them out to unhoused people.
As a last resort, Pauely said, compost any remaining food scraps and waste. Have a receptacle labeled for food scraps during holiday gatherings, then add that waste to your green bin or compost pile.
Travel sustainably
When it comes to holiday travels, public transportation such as trains are always the most environmentally friendly option.
Next up would be car travel — particularly if you have an electric vehicle. Try to carpool with nearby friends or relatives if possible. And make sure your car has good tire pressure before you go, since fuller tires save gas.
If you have to fly, try to avoid layovers, which cause more emissions. And look into purchasing carbon offsets, where money is used to, say, plant trees to help offset emissions from your flight.
Talk about it
If you do nothing else on this list, Pauely has one simple and free request:
“Talk about eco living with your friends and family this season.”
Most of us generally try to avoid discussing topics seen as political or controversial at holiday gatherings. But nearly three-quarters of Americans in recent surveys said they believe climate change is happening, and most say individuals need to change their lifestyles to help fight it. So when there’s a lull in the dinner conversation, or when Uncle Rick brings up a more prickly subject, pivot to sharing some eco-friendly Christmas tips or your goals for a greener 2023.
If that doesn’t work, just offer Uncle Rick another serving of meatless meatloaf and call it a win.
Source: Orange County Register
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