Dive into a treasure trove of sustainable holiday practices, where expert insights guide a journey towards a waste-free festive season. Discover innovative ways to repurpose, reuse, and delight in the holidays while treading lightly on the planet. This article unveils practical tips and strategies from those leading the charge in sustainability.
- Repurpose Tree Debris into Mulch and Firewood
- Use Grocery Paper Bags for Gift Wrapping
- Organize a Giving Circle for Sustainability
- Prioritize Gifting Experiences Over Material Items
- Rethink Gifting, Decor, and Waste Management
- Choose Energy-Efficient and Renewable Decorations
- Share Instead of Buy Holiday Items
- Use Fabric Wraps or Newspaper for Gifts
- Repurpose and Upcycle Holiday Decor
- Plan Meals to Avoid Holiday Food Waste
- Reuse and Recycle Materials for Sustainability
Repurpose Tree Debris into Mulch and Firewood
One of the best ways we reduce waste and promote sustainability during the holiday season is by repurposing tree debris into mulch and firewood instead of sending it to landfills. With over 20 years in the tree service industry and as a certified arborist, I’ve seen firsthand how much waste can come from tree removals and trimmings, especially when people prepare their yards for holiday gatherings.
Rather than disposing of cut branches and logs, we process them into nutrient-rich mulch that homeowners can use for landscaping, which helps conserve soil moisture and reduce weed growth. We also cut suitable wood into firewood, providing an eco-friendly heating option for customers during the colder months. This not only minimizes waste but also gives trees a second purpose, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
Our experience and knowledge in proper tree care allow us to educate our customers on the benefits of repurposing tree materials. Many people don’t realize that freshly chipped mulch can improve soil health or that seasoned firewood can be a sustainable heat source. By implementing these eco-friendly practices, we’ve helped countless customers reduce their environmental footprint while still maintaining beautiful, well-kept trees and landscapes. Sustainability has always been a priority, and our goal is to continue finding innovative ways to make tree care more environmentally responsible.
Amaury Ponce
Business Owner, Ponce Tree Services
Use Grocery Paper Bags for Gift Wrapping
One of our favorite ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability during the holiday season is by repurposing all the paper bags we get from grocery shopping for gift wrapping. My kids make it extra special by personalizing each package—they draw festive Christmas icons like snowflakes, reindeer, Christmas trees, candy canes, ornaments, and stars, then decorate them with vibrant colors like red, green, gold, and silver.
Not only does this creative activity save us money on store-bought wrapping paper, but it also helps us reduce 100% of our paper bag wastage. We use the rest of the paper bags for preparing handmade cards, wrapping fragile items, sending letters to Santa, creating rustic-inspired house decor, and even setting up a beautifully coordinated dining table with a natural, native look. It’s a fun, eco-friendly tradition that brings our family closer while keeping the holidays thoughtful and sustainable.
Karen Villard
Founder, Cubo Toys
Organize a Giving Circle for Sustainability
One of my favorite minimalist, eco-friendly ways to celebrate the holiday season is by organizing a “giving circle” event that emphasizes community and sustainability. A few years ago, I guided a small business team in replicating this concept to align their holiday celebrations with their corporate values. Instead of exchanging gifts, the group pooled resources to support a local environmental initiative. They chose a tree-planting project, which not only offset some of the team’s annual carbon footprint but also created a legacy of positive impact. Each person contributed what they could, some gave funds, while others donated time to plant trees. To keep the event waste-free, we used digital invites and reusable materials for any decorations or logistics. This simple, heartfelt gesture allowed them to celebrate together while honoring their commitment to sustainability.
This approach stemmed from my experience working with businesses that aim to connect their values with impactful actions. Having helped hundreds of entrepreneurs align their operations with their goals, I’ve learned that small, intentional acts often have the most significant results. My MBA in finance and my work with companies across Australia, the UAE, and the US allowed me to design an event that balanced emotional fulfillment and environmental mindfulness without unnecessary extravagance. These kinds of initiatives not only reduce waste but also inspire teams and communities to think differently about holiday traditions and their broader impact. It’s proof that with thoughtful planning and a clear focus, we can celebrate the holidays in a way that brings joy and gives back to the planet.
Ronald Osborne
Founder, Ronald Osborne Business Coach
Prioritize Gifting Experiences Over Material Items
During the holiday season, it’s easy to get swept up in the frenzy of gift-giving, often leading to excessive consumption and waste. However, a mindful approach can help reduce your environmental impact while still spreading joy. One tip I swear by is to prioritize experiences over material gifts.
Instead of purchasing yet another gadget or knick-knack, consider gifting experiences like concert tickets, cooking classes, or a weekend getaway. Not only are these gifts more memorable, but they also eliminate the need for excessive packaging and reduce the likelihood of the gift ending up in a landfill. For example, last year I gifted my sister a pottery class, which allowed us to spend quality time together while learning a new skill.
Divyank Jain
Fractional CMO, Mitt Arv
Rethink Gifting, Decor, and Waste Management
One of the most effective ways to reduce waste and promote sustainability during the holiday season is by rethinking how we gift, decorate, and manage seasonal waste. The holidays generate a significant increase in waste, from excess packaging to food waste, and as a leader in waste management, I believe that small, intentional changes can drive a meaningful impact at both individual and municipal levels.
A major contributor to holiday waste is traditional gift wrap, much of which is non-recyclable due to glossy coatings, dyes, and laminations. Instead, I recommend using sustainable alternatives like reusable fabric wraps, newspaper, recycled kraft paper, or gift bags that can be repurposed. Additionally, choosing experience-based gifts, such as concert tickets, national park passes, or local business gift cards, reduces material waste while supporting communities.
Decorations also play a big role in holiday waste. Opting for LED holiday lights, which consume up to 80% less energy, and using natural decorations like pinecones and dried oranges instead of plastic-based ornaments can reduce waste and environmental impact. Many communities, including those we serve, also benefit from Christmas tree recycling programs, which turn trees into mulch or compost.
At a municipal level, we work to improve holiday waste collection efforts, such as setting up drop-off sites for broken holiday lights, electronics, and excessive cardboard packaging. Partnering with local governments and businesses to offer post-holiday recycling and composting programs helps communities manage seasonal waste more effectively.
Ultimately, sustainability during the holidays is about thoughtful consumption, responsible disposal, and community-wide efforts to minimize waste. Small changes, when adopted widely, make a significant difference.
John Gustafson
Founder, President & CEO, Frontier Waste Solutions
Choose Energy-Efficient and Renewable Decorations
One go-to method I swear by for reducing waste and promoting sustainability during the holiday season is prioritizing energy-efficient lighting and renewable-powered decorations.
How It Promotes Sustainability:
1. Switching to LED and Solar-Powered Lights – Traditional incandescent holiday lights consume excessive energy and burn out quickly. By using LED string lights or solar-powered outdoor decorations, we significantly cut down electricity usage while ensuring long-lasting, vibrant displays. LEDs use up to 80% less energy and last much longer, reducing waste from burnt-out bulbs.
2. Powering Holiday Decor with Renewable Energy – Whenever possible, I integrate solar panels and battery storage to power holiday decorations. This approach ensures that festive lighting and electronic displays don’t contribute to grid strain or unnecessary carbon emissions. If direct solar isn’t an option, using a smart plug with a timer ensures lights only operate during peak evening hours, further minimizing energy waste.
3. Sustainable Gift-Giving – Beyond energy savings, I encourage gifting experiences or sustainable products instead of items with excessive packaging. When physical gifts are necessary, I look for ones made from recycled or upcycled materials to reduce environmental impact.
By combining energy-efficient technology with mindful consumption habits, we can celebrate the holiday season while staying true to sustainability goals.
Matthew Jaglowitz
CEO, Exactus Energy Inc.
Share Instead of Buy Holiday Items
One of my go-to methods for reducing waste and promoting sustainability during the holiday season is choosing to share instead of buy. Rather than purchasing new decorations, kitchen appliances, or party supplies that will only be used once, I rent or borrow them from my community.
With platforms like ours, one can easily find everything from fairy lights to baking equipment, making sure these items are fully utilized instead of sitting in storage. Plus, sharing with neighbors builds a stronger sense of community and cuts down on the environmental impact of overproduction.
The world doesn’t need more stuff—we just need smarter ways to share what we already have!
Arman Sarhaddar
CEO & Founder, ivault
Use Fabric Wraps or Newspaper for Gifts
One of the best ways to reduce waste during the holiday season is by rethinking gift wrapping. Instead of using traditional wrapping paper, which often isn’t recyclable, I use fabric wraps, reusable gift bags, or even newspaper for a creative and sustainable touch. Bonus points if the newspaper or magazine is relevant to the recipient.
Fabric wrapping, inspired by the Japanese furoshiki method, looks beautiful and can be reused year after year. It cuts down on waste while making gifts feel even more special. Plus, it is a great conversation starter about sustainability with friends and family.
Chris Burdick
Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer, FairKiwi
Repurpose and Upcycle Holiday Decor
When the holidays roll around, my go-to method for reducing waste is repurposing and upcycling. Instead of splurging on new decor every year, I make it a point to save a few of last year’s favorite pieces and give them a fresh twist. It’s eco-friendly and adds a unique, personal touch to the festivities. This approach has really helped us reduce waste while keeping our celebrations both sustainable and stylish. It’s a small habit that makes a big impact—it saves money, reduces our environmental footprint, and inspires a bit of creative fun along the way.
Kristin Marquet
Founder & Creative Director, Marquet Media
Plan Meals to Avoid Holiday Food Waste
Holiday food waste? No thanks.
Planning meals for the holidays is like running a marathon without knowing where the finish line is—you cook, you serve, and yet, somehow, leftovers are still lurking in the fridge until they inevitably get tossed. With food waste costing billions globally, that’s not just a kitchen fail, it’s a real problem.
And it’s also wild to think that kitchen optimization is still one of the most overlooked areas of daily life. We have self-driving cars, AI-powered assistants, and even robotic surgeries, yet meal planning and grocery shopping still feel outdated and inefficient.
I searched for a solution—something that could help me plan meals, optimize groceries, and reduce waste effortlessly. But nothing really worked the way I needed it to. So, I built it myself.
Now, iCook is my go-to tool—whether it’s a festive feast or a simple weeknight dinner, it helps me plan meals, build the right grocery list, order exactly what I need, and cut waste without sacrificing variety.
Smart, simple, and sustainable.
Maria Kardakova
Founder @Icook, Phd Researcher @Surrey University, Uk, iCook
Reuse and Recycle Materials for Sustainability
Reuse whatever you can, and recycle anything that can’t be reused. If you have a large amount of recyclable material, like concrete or cardboard, check with your local waste removal service—many offer discounts for recycling collections.
Adam Atkins
Director, Cheapa Waste Skips
