‘Tis the season to be sustainable! The hustle and bustle of the holidays are here, which means parties and gifts galore! Though December brings ample celebrations, it also brings a hefty environmental footprint. In fact, the trash produced between Thanksgiving and Christmas contributes to 1 million extra tons of waste per week. However, there are several ways you can continue your holiday celebrations without getting wrapped up in seasonal overconsumption. Together, we can all do our part to give back to the earth this year.

Plants, Pets, and People Love Pumpkin

Have some leftover pumpkins? There are several ways you can dispose of them without putting them in the trash can. The best way is to naturally decompose them through composting. This creates a nutrient-rich soil for your lawn and garden.

Or, if your pumpkin hasn’t rotted yet, try cooking its seeds and fruit! You can incorporate fresh pumpkin into several recipes or roast the seeds for an easy snack. Cooked pumpkin is also a safe treat for cats and dogs.

Don’t Trash that Tree

Once all the gifts have been opened, you may have plans to send your Christmas tree to the curb. But, like pumpkins, you can compost your tree too! They make a perfect base for a compost pile. Just be sure to cut or shred the branches into small pieces for faster decomposition. For the best results, don’t include the needles in your pile. Instead, use the needles for mulch that will provide your garden with moisture and insulation all winter long.

You can also always replant the tree in your own yard. Or, have a lake or pond on your property? Dump your tree in it to create a habitat for fish!

If you’re still looking to get rid of your tree altogether, look for a local tree recycling program. MetroParks offers several drop-off sites for your tree beginning December 26^th.

Be a Pro with Those Lights

Lights are a staple for the holiday season, but it’s important to know how to be eco-friendly with them. LED lights are a fantastic option for minimizing holiday carbon footprints. They use up to 75% less energy than conventional incandescent lights while still creating a beautiful display.

But don’t forget to turn them off, too. Putting your lights on a timer or setting a reminder to turn them off can avoid excessive use when going to bed or leaving the house.

Before trashing your broken lights, double-check that they can’t be fixed first. Still ready to get rid of them? Keep them out of the landfill and consider recycling them at a local drop-off. Check out MetroParks’ own light recycling program, beginning December 1^st, in partnership with Cohen Recycling.

If looking at the neighborhood Christmas lights is a yearly tradition for your family, consider skipping the car this year. Instead, bundle up for a family neighborhood walk – mittens, gloves, scarves, and all! You’ll get some exercise in and cut your carbon emissions while you’re at it. Warm up with some hot cocoa at home afterward!

Sustainable Décor is So In

Beyond the lights, there are so many other sustainable décor ideas for your home. From orange garland to paper snowflakes to homemade wreaths, many of them can be made at low-cost with items you already have. They are perfect for a holiday craft the whole family can partake in.

Go Green with Gifts

Whether giving or receiving, we all love a gift. But when purchasing our presents, it’s easy to fall victim to overconsumption. Before buying, consider purchasing your gift second-hand, or from a sustainable small business. Even better, try making your gifts homemade for an extra heartfelt touch.

When wrapping, don’t reach for the customary wrapping paper at the store. Chances are, you have leftover paper already sitting around your house. Newspapers and paper grocery bags make for perfect wrapping materials. And you can add your own holiday flair!

Addy Werling

Addy is a senior at Miami University in Oxford with a major in marketing. She recently joined the MetroParks team as an intern in the summer of 2022. With a love for writing and connecting with others, she has helped MetroParks in the creation of their very first blog, Footprints. Although she had only set foot in one MetroPark when she began, she is excited to explore new green spaces here in Butler County and showcase them on the blog. Beyond her work, Addy enjoys spending time outside, camping, running, hiking, and playing with her dog, Max. She appreciates you taking the time to read her content on the blog and hopes that through this platform, we all can find a renewed gratitude for the outdoors.

awerling@yourmetroparks.net