Tips for more mindful holidays

Let’s rethink consumption

Tough on the planet, tough on us: that’s how the holidays have been for far too long. North Americans rank among the highest generators of waste per capita in the world, and that waste increases significantly during the holidays. Together, let’s discover new ways to enjoy the holidays.

Rethink gift giving

Buy local

Buying from a local store or supporting a local brand, artisan, or craftsperson does more than bolster our local economies by putting money back into our communities: it supports the dreams of hardworking small business owners.

Offer an experience

Consider ideas such as gift certificates for experiences, like the following:

restaurants or coffee shops
a homemade meal
yoga or meditation
museums, art galleries, or other attractions
spas or hair salons
streaming service for music, movies/TV, or audiobooks
a family photo shoot
movie theaters
bike rentals

Seek out ethical alternatives

If you’re looking for a material gift, choose something as ethical and eco-friendly as possible. For example, if someone would like a handbag, can you shop at a secondhand or vintage store? If you’re looking for a yoga mat, can you select one that’s made from natural or upcycled materials?

Get crafty

What can you make? Consider the following ideas:

a batch of cookies
DIY lip balm, lotion bars, or sugar scrub
a framed piece of artwork/photography
a plant you propagated
homemade granola
roasted spiced nuts
a knitted scarf
loose leaf tea blends
embroidery

Rethink wrapping

Reuse gift bags and ribbons.
Consider free, upcycled materials, such as newsprint, magazines, and old maps or calendars.
Look up the Japanese art of “furoshiki,” or wrapping with cloth. Scour thrift stores for handkerchiefs or vintage scarves; or make the cloth part of the gift: a scarf, tea towel, or baby blanket.
Research how to wrap without tape. With some strategic folding, tying, or ribbons, you don’t need it!
Add a flourish with natural materials such as an evergreen branch or holly.

Find more inspiring gift wrapping alternatives here!

Rethink entertaining

When entertaining this year, consider the following strategies:

Forgo the disposable cutlery and plates. Use this excuse to enjoy the “good” serving ware or cloth napkins that you keep tucked away for a special occasion.
Avoid buying new decorations. If you require something you don’t have, check out a thrift store or borrow from nature: use fallen branches, holly, or pinecones for a touch of winter wonderland indoors.
Eat lower on the food chain. Animal products, in general, have a much higher environmental footprint than plant-based foods. Consider serving a vegan or vegetarian meal; if that’s not possible, simply serve less meat.
Reduce food waste by sticking to a list, preparing a little less than usual, and always composting leftovers