Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza or even Boxing Day, December marks a time when many of us exchange gifts with friends and loved ones to show how much we care. However, there is one more entity we should be showing care and appreciation for: our planet!!
On average, Americans throw away 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than they do any other time of the year. This extra waste includes disposable plates and cups, wrapping paper, ribbons and bows, plastic tablecloths and temporary decorations, just to name a few. As a whole, we produce 25 million extra tons of garbage during the holiday season, and that is just no way to show our planet that we care.
As a conservation-centered organization, the Akron Zoo would like to invite you to join us in making more sustainable holiday choices this year. Here are a few ways you can enjoy a green Christmas, even when it’s snowing!
Ditch the Disposables
Yes, I know that when you spend time with family and friends, doing the dishes can be a real chore. However, plastic dishes, cutlery and tablecloths can really pile up! Permanent crockery looks beautiful on a holiday table, and doing the dishes as a family can be a fun way to give an extra gift to the ones you love - your service! Plus, you can make cleaning into a friendly family competition. There are tons of fun games you can find online that help pass the time while washing the dishes.
We are also likely to see another disposable item this holiday season: masks. If you plan to safely celebrate the holidays with family or friends, consider a reusable fabric mask that you can wash when you get back home! Or, if you need to use a medical grade mask, purchase a UV sanitizer and sanitize masks after use to extend the life of your mask while still cutting down on waste.
That’s a Wrap!
In this season of gift-giving, we tend to use more wrapping paper, ribbons, bows, plastic tape, bubble wrap, glossy bags, tissue paper and sticker labels than we do any other time of the year. This winter, why not consider some alternative gift wrapping solutions? Instead of buying new wrapping materials this year, why not consider some sustainable solutions.
First (and possibly the easiest) you can reuse those old gift bags, bows and ribbons! Did you know a hair straightener works great for flattening those wrinkled ribbons, and your beautiful materials can be used over and over again!
For those who are a bit more adventurous, try upcycling some materials for your wrappings. The comic section of your newspaper or the old map you got on your last vacation make for excellent wrapping paper, and you can pull it all together using some string or twine from the kids’ craft supplies instead of tape. And don’t forget the bow! Garnish with some recycled ribbon and some pine tree trimmings, and your family will think you hired a professional!
If you are okay with spending a bit more on your wrappings, there are also companies that sell fabric gift wrappers or canvas bags, which can conceal your gift in a festive and unique way, and be reused for a wide variety of purposes later.
Give Great (and Green) Gifts
Let’s admit it - we have all asked for gifts that were on trend with the latest fad, then completely forgotten about them a few months later. The number of bedazzlers, lava lamps, mood rings and silly bands at your local dump is probably dizzying. Instead of buying gifts that will go out of style, consider experiential gifts, like a membership, gift card or subscription to a service. This allows you to try something new, and it can be the gift that keeps on giving; like when that gift is a membership to your Akron Zoo!
Season’s Greeting Cards
Cards can be a great way to wish your loved ones a happy holiday, especially this winter when family gatherings may not be taking place as they have in years past. However, cards with a glossy finish or gold filigree are not recyclable, and can really pile up. Instead, consider making your own cards using the craft supplies you have around the house! Your family will love the personal touch, and you will finally put those random supplies to good use. Or, to save on postage (and paper), there are also a wide variety of services that allow you to send e-cards to your friends and family! Virtual cards can add a personal touch without adding to your personal garbage pile.
So happy holidays from your Akron Zoo! No matter what you are celebrating this month, we hope it’s green!