The holiday season is a time for joy, connection, and celebration—but it’s also one of the most wasteful times of the year. From mountains of wrapping paper to decorations that end up in the trash, the environmental impact of our festivities can be overwhelming. But what if this year, we celebrated differently? What if we embraced the season with a little less waste and a lot more intention?
At Leaf & Stone, we believe the holidays can be just as magical—if not more so—when celebrated sustainably. Here’s how you can create a greener, more mindful holiday season.
Where to start this season?
The first step to an eco-friendly holiday is rethinking gift-giving. The joy of giving doesn’t have to mean endless rolls of wrapping paper and piles of packaging. This year, consider wrapping your gifts with creativity and care. Fabric wraps, like those inspired by the Japanese art of furoshiki, are not only beautiful but reusable year after year. Old newspapers can become charming, rustic wrapping, especially when tied with natural twine and adorned with a sprig of greenery or a dried orange slice. Who knew wrapping gifts could double as an art project?
Decorating your home can also take on a new, greener life. Instead of buying single-use decorations, why not craft your own? Twigs, pinecones, cinnamon sticks, and even dried fruit can transform into beautiful ornaments that are as natural as they are unique. For lights, switching to energy-efficient LEDs not only saves power but also adds a cozy, warm glow to your home.
And what about the gifts themselves? Instead of buying more things, consider giving experiences—concert tickets, a cooking class, or even a day at the spa. These gifts don’t come in boxes but are packed with lasting memories. If you prefer physical gifts, choose items made from sustainable materials or shop from local businesses that prioritize eco-friendly practices. Homemade gifts, like baked treats or hand-poured candles, add a personal touch while reducing waste.
Food plays a central role in most holiday celebrations, and it’s another area where small changes can have a big impact. Planning a feast with local, seasonal ingredients not only supports nearby farmers but also reduces the carbon footprint of your meal. If leftovers are inevitable, get creative—turn extra veggies into soups or transform turkey scraps into a hearty sandwich. Compost anything you can’t reuse, and skip the disposable plates in favor of reusable dinnerware. After all, the holidays are about gathering around the table, not filling the trash bin.
For many, the holidays involve travel, which can add to the season’s environmental toll. If you’re heading out, consider carpooling or taking public transport. Staying local can also create a more intimate and meaningful celebration. And if you’re traveling long distances, offsetting your carbon emissions can help balance your impact.
One of the greatest gifts we can give is to teach the next generation about sustainability. Involve children in crafting DIY decorations or wrapping gifts with reusable materials. Books about the environment or activities that encourage creativity with natural items are wonderful ways to share the importance of protecting our planet.
Finally, as the season comes to a close, reflect on the choices you’ve made. Reuse decorations, recycle thoughtfully, and carry the spirit of sustainability into the new year. Every step you take toward a greener holiday helps create a better world for the people you love.
The holidays are a time to celebrate togetherness and hope for the future. By making mindful choices, we can enjoy all the magic of the season while giving a gift to our planet. Let’s make this holiday season a little brighter, a little greener, and a lot more intentional.
Happy holidays from all of us at Leaf & Stone! 🎄
