Sustainable Festive Season

The festive season brings joy and celebration. However, it also brings an unintended consequence: an increase in plastic waste, from glittery decorations to disposable party supplies. The holidays often leave behind massive waste that makes its way to rivers and the ocean. People create up to 30% more waste than other times of the year. This waste is mostly single-use plastic, which often cannot be recycled. When it ends up in waterways, marine animals mistake colourful plastic for food. Coral reefs also suffer as microplastics carry harmful chemicals that can harm their growth and ecosystem. As marine pollution continues to rise, this festive season becomes a critical period to rethink our habits and adopt sustainable options.

How We Can Celebrate Without Harming the Ocean

Choose Eco-Friendly Wrapping Options

It is undeniable that wrapping paper has a large impact on the environment and carbon footprint. Wrapping paper is often non-recyclable since it typically contains non-paper adhesive elements. It is better to use plain paper as it is 100% recyclable. However, be aware of adhesive tape: it is also non-recyclable. Apart from recycling, we can reuse old wrapping paper to wrap presents on other occasions. Alternatively, colourful magazines or newspapers can be used instead of new wrapping paper. There are certain ways to wrap your present without adhesive tape. To decorate, dried leaves can replace ribbon.

Go for Sustainable Decorations

The celebration always comes with decoration. Holiday décors bring joy to the family. In general, synthetic Christmas trees and glitter are all major contributors to microplastic pollution. To be concerned with our ocean, you don’t have to stop the tradition. First of all, you may opt for a rental service for Christmas trees. Apart from reducing environmental impact, it reduces waste from tonnes of Christmas trees going to landfill after the season ends. For décor, use the existing decorations that you already have and avoid buying new ones. Consider using LED lights because they use up to 90% less energy.

Say No to Single-Use Plastic when Hosting Parties

Even though disposable party supplies are convenient for hosting, they often end up as marine waste. Basically, what you can do is cook and bake holiday treats yourself. Home cooking can reduce a huge number of single-use plastic packaging. Buying ingredients from a farmer’s market is a good idea. Besides reducing plastic, you can support your local community at the same time. Moreover, use tableware that you have at home rather than plastic ones.

Be Mindful with Holiday Shopping and Choose Plastic-Free Gifts

The rush of purchases leads to increased use of plastic waste, and the shipping process can increase carbon emissions. Start by bringing your own reusable shopping bags, which help eliminate the need for single-use plastic bags. Choosing plastic-free gifts is one of the simplest and most meaningful ways to reduce your environmental impact during the holidays. Buy presents from local artisans or sustainable brands. Sustainable brands now offer a wide variety of eco-friendly options. Even small items can significantly lower your plastic footprint. Alternatively, you can choose to give experiences to your loved ones. It is even better if those gifts are related to marine conservation. It inspires others to connect with and care for the ocean.

Dispose of Waste Properly

In some countries, proper waste disposal is often overlooked. During the festive season, households generate significantly more waste, from food scraps to unwanted gifts. A good starting point is to separate waste correctly. Sort recyclable waste. Organic waste can be composted. Composting can reduce methane emissions and enrich the soil in your gardens. Some items like electronic devices require specialised management. Many organisations collect e-waste, turning that waste into a resource that prevents harmful substances from leaking into rivers.

These are the simplest ways to be mindful of during the holidays. The festive season gives us a sense of celebration, but it does not have to come at the expense of our oceans. We can celebrate the holidays in a way that honours and protects the blue planet we all share.

Written by: Parnward Phadungyot