Celebrating a Sustainable Holiday Season: A Guide to an Eco-Friendly Celebration

12/18/24

Let’s celebrate this holiday season while striving to reduce our environmental impact! This guide provides tips and resources to help you embrace sustainable practices and enjoy an eco-friendly holiday season. By incorporating these suggestions and utilizing the resources, we hope you are inspired to create new traditions that prioritize sustainability and pave the way for a greener future.

Waste Reduction

Reducing waste during the holiday season is essential for a sustainable future. For gifts, buy local to find fun, unique items or offer experiences like concert tickets or museum visits. Plan holiday meals carefully to reduce food waste, and encourage guests to bring reusable containers for leftovers. After the holiday season, recycle your holiday tree by dropping it off at a nearby drop-off location. Discover more tips on recycling, composting, and smart shopping by visiting the County's ReThink Waste website. By making a conscious effort to reduce waste this holiday season, you can contribute to a greener and cleaner San Diego for all!

Eco-Friendly Decorations

Sustainable wrapping material

Deck the halls with eco-friendly decorations this holiday season! Get creative by repurposing household items and incorporating natural materials into your decor. Swap plastic ornaments for handmade ones using upcycled materials, and light up your home with energy-efficient LED string lights. For gift wrapping, go reusable with fabric wraps, scarves, or recycled paper. These simple swaps make your celebrations more sustainable and unique!

Energy Conservation

In addition to using LED string lights for sustainable holiday decor, there are lots of ways to make your home cozier and more energy efficient this season. Block the chill by weatherstripping doors and windows to keep the cold out and the heat in. Don’t forget to check for air leaks—small fixes can make a big difference. These simple steps will keep your home warm, your bills lower, and the planet a little greener. Visit San Diego Community Power’s website to discover more innovative ways to reduce energy consumption while still enjoying festive celebrations.

Eco-Friendly Travel

A bus parked at a bus stop

Description automatically generated with medium confidenceEmbrace eco-friendly travel this holiday season! A lot of places in San Diego are accessible through the region's public transit. Plan your trip by taking the bus or trolley through the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System, or travel by using the BREEZE and COASTER services through the North County Transit District. By choosing sustainable travel, you'll enjoy the season's festivities while contributing to a cleaner environment and reducing traffic congestion!

The County wants you to know there are so many more fun and green ways to celebrate the holiday season. Check out the County News Center for additional tips. Together, let’s enjoy a sustainable, festive holiday season!