By CHLOE ANDERSON
Kansas Reflector
The holidays are a time of excess. Travel increases as friends and family gather to celebrate, and spending spikes as people purchase food and gifts to share. This massive uptick in consumerism also creates an abundance of waste rivaled by no other time of year.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average household produces up to 25% more waste between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. This extra trash amounts to roughly 25 million tons of garbage.
Merrymakers can reduce their carbon footprint and limit unnecessary waste by making a few small changes. Here’s a handy guide to making the holiday season more merry, bright and sustainable.
Look for recyclable wrapping paper
Americans use an estimated 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper annually, the production of which releases approximately 16 million pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Both can be reduced by reusing and recycling. According to Stanford University, if every family in the U.S. wrapped just three gifts in recycled materials, it would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.
Old newspapers make great wrapping paper — and they’re compostable and recyclable. Many stores sell recyclable wrapping paper, but keep in mind that designs with glitter, foil and excessive dyes aren’t usually recyclable.
Purchase a live Christmas tree rather than a fake one
Although fake Christmas trees can be reused, opting for a live tree ultimately results in fewer carbon emissions and less plastic in landfills. Christmas tree farms also create habitat for wildlife and improve air quality by producing oxygen.
In 1978, Glen and Celia Goering planted the seeds that would become Pine Lake Christmas Tree Farm in Derby. Since then, they’ve rarely had to water any of their 7,000 trees or use pesticides.
“With fake trees, you’re dealing with chemicals and plastic,” Celia said. “By buying a live tree, you’re naturally working with the environment instead of against it.”
When the holidays are over, live Christmas trees can be composted, replanted, made into mulch or repurposed as a bird feeder. Most garden centers will accept old trees and recycle them.
Steer clear of single-use forks and spoons
The use of disposable cutlery and tableware skyrockets during the holidays. Although single-use items make the cleanup process more convenient, they’re less visually appealing than reusable dishware and far worse for the environment.
Consider spending the few extra minutes it will take to do the dishes, or — if all else fails — purchase biodegradable serveware rather than plastic that will take hundreds of years to decompose.
Eliminate food waste by planning meals and using, freezing or donating leftovers
“The average family of four wastes about $1,500 per year on food,” said Sara Sawer, the nutrition, health and wellness agent at K-State Research and Extension. “I would expect that number to increase during the holidays.”
The U.S.-based nonprofit ReFED estimates that Americans threw away 316 million pounds of food during Thanksgiving this year. Sawer said people can save money at the store by planning meals and making a list of ingredients. They can cut back on waste by eating or freezing leftovers within three to four days.
Technology, she said, can help. The USDA FoodKeeper app helps consumers know how long food stays fresh, and the “chef” assistant in GoblinTools can generate recipe ideas with leftovers.
“If you have an exorbitant amount of food left after a holiday party or dinner, look locally and see where you can donate it,” Sawer said. “If you know you’re not going to use it, call a food bank or a church.”
Sawer also recommends keeping the two-hour rule in mind: Make sure perishable foods are stored in the fridge or freezer within two hours to eliminate the risk of foodborne illnesses.
Opt for rechargeable — not disposable — batteries
When batteries aren’t properly discarded, they release toxic chemicals into soil and water supplies. To cut back on the number of corrosive chemicals that end up in landfills, buy rechargeable batteries for gifts that need them.
Last, but not least: Ask.
A study by the Ecology Center found that in 2020 alone, shipping returns created 16 million tons of carbon emissions. In the same year, five billion pounds of unused gifts wound up in U.S. landfills. Be kinder to both your wallet and the planet by simply asking your friends and family what they really want.