A Sustainable Holiday Guide

Written By Katie Mae

The holidays are one of my favorite times of the year, but they’re also a season when we generate a lot of waste and carbon emissions. So how can we celebrate sustainably without losing the holiday magic? Here are some tips to help make your holidays greener!

Gift Giving

Did you know that a huge number of gifts in the U.S. are returned or discarded by January? Each year, up to 5 billion pounds of returned products end up in landfills, and 4% of the $15.2 billion spent on unwanted gifts is wasted. This not only adds to landfill waste but also squanders the resources used to produce and ship these items.

Tips for Greener Gifting:

  • Give homemade or secondhand gifts. New items have a high carbon footprint and are often short-lived. Instead, consider homemade gifts like baked goods or knitted items, or shop secondhand. Experiences—like concert tickets or sports events—are also thoughtful and low-impact.

  • Ask for a list or gift ideas. It may feel less personal, but gifts people actually want are less likely to be wasted. If buying new, prioritize shopping at small and local businesses.

  • Eco-friendly wrapping. Check local Buy Nothing groups or thrift stores for wrapping supplies. Repurpose brown paper packaging from deliveries—it makes for a beautiful, minimalist wrap.

Decorating

Natural Trees. Most emissions from real Christmas trees come from pesticide use and transportation. If composted properly, their impact is relatively low. For an even more sustainable option, some nurseries offer live potted trees (like the Norfolk Island Pine) that can be planted after the holidays.

Artificial Trees. Producing one artificial tree creates about the same carbon emissions as seven natural ones. If used for many years, they can be a sustainable choice. However, avoid pre-lit trees as they’re harder to repair and recycle. If your artificial tree is still in good condition, consider donating it.

The Bottom Line. Choose the tree that works best for your family. Reduce your impact by:

  • Disposing of trees responsibly

  • Reusing decorations year after year

  • Shopping secondhand for décor

  • Making homemade ornaments with loved ones

Hosting Parties & Gatherings

Serve plant-based meals and reduce food waste. Cut back on meat—especially high-emission options like beef. Ask guests to RSVP so you can prepare the right amount of food. Send leftovers home in reusable containers or compost what’s left.

Use reusable dishes and utensils. If you host often, invest in durable dishware. Thrift stores are great for affordable sets. If your space is limited, check out local lending libraries that offer reusable hosting supplies.

Travel

Traveling during the holidays is meaningful, but it’s also carbon-intensive. Air travel accounts for over 12% of global carbon emissions.

Tips to Reduce Travel Impact:

  • Avoid flying when possible. Consider whether the trip is essential. Can you drive or take a train instead?

  • Choose direct flights. Most emissions occur during takeoff and landing. Flying direct saves emissions—and time!

  • Offset your emissions. While they’re never a substitute for reducing travel, carbon offsets can support climate-positive projects if using verified programs, like Wren or GoClimate. You can also calculate your carbon footprint and donate the equivalent amount to your favorite nonprofit like NRDC, Sierra Club, Greenpeace, or WWF.

Additional Resources

This blog post was created in collaboration with Foster City’s Citizen’s Sustainability Committee (CSAC)

https://sustainable.fostercity.org/2025/11/sustainable_holiday_guide/

https://www.wren.co/

https://www.goclimate.com/

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLbD7BR411ei6DWGC9Nu8VEp8oQBQ0tfYo

Katie Mae