Low-Waste Holiday Traditions

Written by Sarah Paiji Yoo, Co-Founder and CEO
Published: December 16, 2022
Updated: November 7, 2025

If you’ve read our other blog posts, receive our emails, or follow us on social media, then you’ve likely already heard or read that the holidays create a lot of waste. (But, ICYMI, it’s about 25% more waste than usual between Christmas and New Years!) The holidays and celebrations in general are somewhere where you can easily make small changes and start new traditions that help cut back on that waste.

As always, if you already have items that still work or are in good condition, don’t toss them just to replace them with these ideas! The most sustainable choice you can make is to use what you have (until you no longer can) and then swap them out for a more eco alternative. So, when that time comes, here are some easy ways to make the holiday celebrations a little more planet-friendly.

Gifts

• Switch to rechargeable batteries: Alkaline batteries aren’t recyclable and most can only be used once which creates a lot of waste when you have kids.

• Shop small or get crafty. We love to support other small businesses, especially ones with sustainable initiatives. Another go-to gift is something heartfelt that will last—photo books, framing their kids’ art, etc.

• Gift items people will actually use. Gifting food like good coffee (in compostable bags), loose leaf tea (in tins), small-batch chocolates or candles or local jams in glass is always a crowd pleaser. A few more that are good for stocking stuffers: silk floss, sustainable underwear and socks.

• Gift items that may inspire more sustainable habits. For instance, a beautiful set of linen napkins or inspiring books like Braiding Sweetgrass and All We Can Save. Bonus points if you get them at a local small business.

Food

• Plan portions. Try to portion out just enough for each person and then a little extra (two plates), just in case someone needs more or someone brings an unexpected guest.

• Use the real dishes and linens. Not only are you saving on waste, it helps make the meal feel extra special as well.

• Send extras home. Who says you have to keep the leftovers? Ask your family to bring tupperware with them to take leftovers back home in and they’re excited to do it!

Decor

This year, make the holidays more sustainable than ever with a few creative zero-waste decoration ideas!

• Opt for natural materials and things you already own to decorate. A favorite centerpiece is beautiful fruit that my kids can enjoy later.

• Go for LED lights. They use 80% less energy than regular lights and typically last about 10 years longer as well.

• Make buying new decor more thoughtful. The great thing about holiday decor is you can save it and use it year after year. Instead of buying trend-driven plastic ornaments and decor, take time to buy fewer pieces you really love or are meaningful.