Parley AIR: The Holidays
How to make this holiday season a little easier on the planet
Over time, we have been conditioned to consume, consume, consume during the holiday season. Ad after ad pops up telling us to purchase the latest gadgets, spend lavishly on gifts and eat until we’re stuffed. In all the rush and excitement, being conscious of the environment can fall to the bottom of our to-do list.
Whether you’re shopping, gifting, cooking or decorating, look out for ways to avoid wasteful products and plastic. Our partners at The Foundation for New York’s Strongest, the official nonprofit for the DSNY, are working with Zero Waste NYC Workshop Series to make going zero waste easier and more approachable. Their next workshop will be held on Thursday, December 5th, focusing on holiday waste. We teamed up to share some thoughtful ideas to bear in mind as you’re preparing for and enjoying what has been coined the “most wasteful time of the year.”
Rethink your wrap
Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other time of the year – that’s roughly 1 million pounds of excess waste each week. Part of this increase of waste is due to the 900 million packages shipped and 2.65 billion cards sent each year. When purchasing and wrapping gifts, be conscious of the material and where you’re buying from. Choose wrapping paper that is made from recycled material and steer clear of paper that is glossy and shiny. If you really want to reduce your waste production think about alternative options, like re-purposing newspaper or using cloth that can be used time and time again.
Another great way to reduce your environmental footprint is to shop locally. While it may seem easier or “greener” to shop online, it involves excess packaging and fuel pollution. If you are going to shop online, try buying in one big order to reduce shipping emissions and costs.
Zero Waste NYC Tip: If you’re adding a card to your gift, be thoughtful about the materials they are made of. Glitter-free recycled paper is best, or if you want to take it to the next level, try plantable cards made from seed paper — a great way to give back to the planet when making a purchase.
Eco entertainment
The holiday season, no matter where or how you are celebrating, is typically a time where most of us fall into temptations we would otherwise refrain from. Single-use products and plastics are rampant during this blissful time of the year. In Britain alone, it is estimated that more than 177 million straws and 122 million plastic cups will be used this Christmas with around 200 million sheets of wrapping paper dumped after the festivities. Planning ahead for your shopping and cooking needs can be crucial to curbing your waste production:
Prepare a shopping list for items you need. Try to stick to it, so you don’t over-purchase.
Look for loose fruits and vegetables, not ones wrapped in plastic packaging, and bring your own containers to the deli counter.
Forget single-use plates, cups and napkins. Show off your fanciest dinnerware and impress all of your guests.
Avoid unnecessary “party plastics” like glitter, balloons or party poppers. These micro plastics can easily enter the marine environment and are not fun to clean.
Choose your candles wisely. Stick to soy or beeswax based candles that won’t leach chemicals.
Have clearly labeled recycling and compost bins to make it easy for your guests to contribute to the cause.
Reduce your annual food waste by encouraging guests to have seconds, using up leftovers and donating unused cans and other items to your local food bank or homeless shelter.
Zero Waste NYC Tip: If you’re attending a public holiday party, consider bringing your own cutlery set – guaranteed to raise eyebrows and spark up conversation when you’re mingling with guests. When they ask, let them know that you try to avoid single-use plastic whenever possible so you always bring your own supplies. Share your passion—you never know who might walk out of that party ready to start their own zero waste journey.
Think simple and natural
Satellite data from NASA shows that some cities shine 30 to 50 percent brighter during the winter holidays compared to light output during the rest of the year – and lighting is a key producer of greenhouse gas emissions. Making the switch to LED lights uses 90% less energy than traditional holiday lights.
When ornamenting your home for the holidays, look to nature for your inspiration. Use clippings from your Christmas tree to dress the mantle and collect real gourds, squash, pinecones, and cranberries for your table’s centerpiece.
Every year, 33 million trees are purchased for the statement piece of a home – 82% are artificial and 17% are real. Artificial Christmas trees and strings of lights may contain PVC, which can be released in the form of dust as the tree breaks down over time. When compared on an annual basis, an artificial tree with an average lifespan of six years has three times more of an environmental impact than real trees do. This year, think about investing in a live tree that you can keep after Christmas. If you do buy a cut one, make sure to dispose of it properly – most cities offer collection and reuse the trees for wood chips for public pathways in parks.
Zero Waste NYC Tip: If you can’t resist string lights, try finding them second-hand on sites or check out a local thrift store. Another great option is solar powered string lights. Make sure your tree is against a sunny window so the lights can charge up during the day – no electricity required!
The giving guide
Give cleaner: Gift experiences like concert tickets and classes, or donate to a charity in the name of your loved one instead of gifting material items that typically come dressed in plastic.
Give simpler: Choose a few small gifts with meaning that will last a lifetime, like a family heirloom or something made by hand. It’s more thoughtful and less likely to get thrown out.
Give green: Look for upcycled gifts like our Parley Ocean Bags or products from sustainable brands whose values align with yours.
Give again: Regift or buy second-hand presents from thrift stores or antique shops. 35% of Americans have an unused Christmas present collecting dust in their closets, so give those items to someone else who can use them.
Zero Waste NYC Tip: Aim for multi-use gifts when possible. For example, a candle in a terra cotta holder that can later be repurposed as a planter. When you’re filling stockings, consider fun, zero waste gifts like stainless steel straws, refillable dental floss, or shampoo and conditioner bars.
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