Meaningful changes to reduce holiday waste

Published on November 22, 2025

The holidays are full of celebration, but those celebrations can sometimes bring a mountain of extra waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), between wrapping paper, packaging, and food, Americans throw away about 25% more during the holiday season than at any other time of year.

This December, we ask you to celebrate with a lighter footprint. You don’t have to give up your favorite traditions. Just make a few simple swaps that keep the joy while cutting down the waste.

Gift Smarter, Not Bigger – Think more experiential like a handmade coffee meetup coupon, a local class or tickets to a show at the von Braun Center. For kids, consider passes to local attractions like the Huntsville Botanical Gardens or Early Works Children’s Museum.

If you’re shopping for physical gifts:

• Locally made chocolates, teas, candles or soaps from a small business
• Upcycled jewelry or thrifted treasures because vintage is in!
• Homemade treats like a batch of cookies in a reusable tin for the win!

Wrap It and Reuse It – Traditional wrapping paper is pretty but many are coated with glitter or a plastic film, and most of it ends up in the trash. Consider making the wrapping paper part of the gift this year.

Try these reusable and recyclable options:

• Fabric wraps like scarves, tea towels or fabric squares to wrap gifts. They tie up easily, look elegant and can be reused again.
• Invest in quality gift bags to use year after year.
• Kraft paper is recyclable, sturdy and looks charming tied with twine and a sprig of greenery.
• Upcycled materials like old maps, newspapers, sheet music, or kids’ artwork make unique and personal wrapping paper.
• Reusable boxes or tins are ideal for baked goods, jewelry or small gifts.

Bonus: Create a family “wrap box” where everyone stores ribbons, tags, and reusable materials for next year. It’s a small tradition that saves time, money, and waste.

Deck the Halls – Nature may have what you need. Pinecones, branches, dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks make beautiful, compostable decorations.

• If you have a fake tree—keep using it! The most sustainable tree is the one you already own. If you’re buying a real one visit a local tree farm or try a smaller potted tree you can plant afterward.
• Switch to LED lights because they use less energy and last longer. Put your lights on a timer so they automatically turn off before bed.

Everyone can make small, meaningful changes that reduce waste, support local communities, and protect the planet. They can even become new traditions to keep the holiday season greener each year!