‘Tis the Season to be Eco-Friendly
Happy Holidays from all of your favorite whale nerds!
Yesterday, I was walking through the aisles of holiday supplies at a local store when I heard a couple having a jokingly heated argument about if a giftbox was technically considered “wrapping”. They asked me to be the tiebreaker and I firmly voted that a gift box IS a form of wrapping (convince me otherwise in the comments). The boyfriend was not convinced but when I mentioned that the gift boxes theypicked out were recyclable and reusable and therefore, good for the environment, he was convinced!
This incident reminded me that the holidays have the potential to be a wasteful time of year, so here are our top 5 ways to have a healthy, happy, and eco-friendly holiday!
1. Reusable gift wrapping
As we just learned, use gift boxes or bags that can be reused over and over again! This keeps wrapping supplies out of the trash and is a gift to our planet. If you choose to use disposable wrapping paper, make sure it is recyclable or biodegradable.
Bonus points if you use appropriate wrapping paper than can be thrown in your compost pile.
2. Use a timer
If you love to light up your home for the holidays, make sure to put your lights on a timer! We can all use a BRIGHT end to a terrible year, but we don’t need the lights on all day and night. Conserve energy by using a timer so you will never forget to turn your lights off.
Bonus points if you use energy-efficient lights - a great way to use less energy while still having a house the Griswold’s would be envious of.
3. More veggies!
Eating more veggies is not only good for our health, but also good for the planet! By swapping out some meat-based dishes for veggie ones, you can reduce your carbon footprint!
Bonus points if you can make a family recipe into a veggie one!
4. Shop local.
We know it is more important this year than ever before. Shopping local not only boosts your local economy, but also helps the environment by not need to ship your gifts.
Bonus points if that local business supports non-profits or fundraisers in your community.
5. Make a donation in the season of giving.
Don't know what to get the last person on your list who seems to have everything? Making a donation in their name doesn't require any packaging or mailing so it is super eco-friendly and it won't get thrown out during spring cleaning.
Bonus points if you donate to an environmental cause to be extra eco-friendly.
PS. I bet that tough person on your list doesn't have a whale! Adopt a whale with WDC and you can immediately download your adoption certificate.
