The holiday season is a time of joy, connection and giving, but it can also increase waste, energy consumption and environmental impact. By embracing sustainable practices, we can celebrate in ways that are mindful of the planet while still cherishing traditions.
Eco-friendly decorations
Natural materials: Instead of plastic, choose decorations made from wood, fabric or dried plants such as painted sea grape leaves. Handmade wreaths can add rustic charm. A pet-friendly alternative to poinsettias is rosemary plants.
LED lights: Use energy-efficient LED holiday lights and put them on a timer to reduce electricity use.
DIY creations: Create unique decor using reusable or upcycled materials such as fabric scraps, glass jars, and recycled paper.
Thoughtful gift-giving
Experiences over things: The joy of giving experiences such as event tickets, memberships or classes is unparalleled. These gifts create lasting memories and contribute to a sustainable holiday season without generating unnecessary waste.
Sustainable products: Choose gifts made from recycled materials, local artisan products, or items with minimal packaging.
DIY and upcycled gifts: Handmade gifts or upcycled items can be unique and personal. Gift a book you read, knowing your friend has similar interests, or share a favorite recipe with a coworker or relative, including all the ingredients needed to create it.
Sustainable Wrapping
Reusable wraps: Use cloth wrapping (like furoshiki), scarves, or reusable gift bags.
Recycled paper: Choose recyclable or biodegradable wrapping paper, avoiding glitter and plastic coatings.
Decorative alternatives: For name tags, embellish with natural twine, dried flowers, or dried leaves. A magnet can be glued to the personalized tag to be enjoyed on the refrigerator year-round.
Green entertaining
Eco-friendly tableware: Use reusable dishes, cups, and utensils instead of disposable ones.
Sustainable menus: Incorporate locally sourced, organic, or plant-based foods to minimize your feast’s carbon footprint.
Compost food waste: Set up a compost bin to manage food scraps from holiday meals or freeze scraps until a community food scrap collection.
Recycling and waste management
Recycle right: Avoid placing plastic bags and polystyrene in the curbside recycling bin and flatten cardboard boxes. Do not recycle gift bags or wrapping paper with glitter.
Dispose of electronics and batteries properly: Recycle old electronics and rechargeable batteries at the Monroe County transfer station during a scheduled collection. NEVER place rechargeable batteries in the recycling or trash receptacle, as they are flammable and cause waste truck fires.
Encourage guests: Provide clearly labeled bins for recyclables and compostables during gatherings.
Protecting our environment and wildlife
Secure trash and recycling: Be sure the receptacles are not overfilled, and the lid is secured. Wildlife or wind gusts can easily dump trash and recycling receptacles, causing debris to blow into the mangroves and waterways. The debris causes pollution, and animals eat the trash and become sick.
Support sustainable businesses
Support Sustainable Businesses: By shopping at businesses committed to reducing waste, avoiding single-use plastics, and supporting fair trade, you’re not just purchasing. You are contributing to a more significant movement towards sustainability and supporting companies that share your values.
A season of joy, not waste
Sustainable holidays don’t mean sacrificing traditions or joy; they mean celebrating in a way that ensures a brighter future for the planet. You can make a significant positive impact with minor changes while fostering a sense of responsibility and care for the Earth.
Embrace the season with gratitude and mindfulness, creating a legacy of sustainability for the holidays to come.
Food scrap collection sites:
Bring your fresh or frozen food scraps: coffee grounds, eggshells, uncooked fruits and vegetables
- Coral Isles Church 90001 Overseas Highway, Tavernier – held the first Sunday of each month from 11:15 to noon.
- Key West Tropical Botanical Gardens 5210 College Road, Key West – held the third Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to noon, during the native plant sale.
- KIRK of the Keys 8877 Overseas Highway, Marathon, MM 50.5 – held every Sunday 11:15 to noon.
A special holiday food scrap collection will be held Dec. 29 from 11:15 a.m. to noon at KIRK of the Keys and Coral Isles Church.