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Sustainable Guide to the Festive Season 2020

Alexandra Cacavas

10 ways to celebrate in a more sustainable way


The festive season is a time when we indulge in all kinds of pleasures and activities, whether it be food, drinks, gifts, family time or social gatherings. While all these add a big touch of jolliness to the long and dark winter months, they also have environmental consequences.


The period between Christmas and New Year’s is when we consume the most compared to the rest of year, and it is easy to get carried away. While there is nothing wrong with indulging in life’s pleasures, the way in which we do so greatly affects the well-being of our planet, as well as our own. Here are ten ways to celebrate the holidays in a more sustainable way:


1) Avoiding food waste


We tend to prepare too much during the festive season, especially when it comes to food. To avoid waste, plan meal portions in advance depending on the number of people you are hosting. Avoid making food you know nobody is going to eat (poor little Brussels sprouts come to mind…). Freeze any leftovers to save time and effort on days when you are too tired or lazy to cook. You can also donate your surplus of food to a nearby soup kitchen, food bank or charity.


2) Reducing meat & dairy consumption


Meals during the holidays traditionally include meat and other animal products, such as dairy, foie gras, fish roe and other delicacies. It is not surprising to find so many animal products in the winter kitchen, as they are more filling and, thus, keep us warm for longer periods. The meat and dairy industries, however, are one of the main contributors to global warming and environmental degradation. A more sustainable way to celebrate is to reduce meat and dairy consumption. Instead, opt for organic meat, locally produced dairy and businesses that ensure animal well-being.

3) Buying gifts from local creators and supporting small businesses


This is important in 2020 especially, as the health crisis has had a tremendous impact on small businesses. The holiday season is usually the opportunity for them to expose their work at local markets, but most of them will not be able to do so this year (depending on where you live). Look for artists and artisans that sell their creations online on platforms such as Etsy, and support small independent businesses by purchasing your gifts from them. They will make unique gifts, made by people who are passionate about what they are doing. Buying from local creators is also a great way to give back to your community.


4) Wish lists


Ask your family members and friends what they would like this year by making wish lists that you share with each other. It might take away the element of surprise, but you will be giving them something they actually need or want.


angel christmas decoration Alexandra Cacavas photography

5) Second-hand gifts or passing down


By opting for second-hand gifts or passing items down to someone else, you avoid waste, as you are not throwing away items that are still in good condition.


Buying second hand is a sustainable way of giving a new life to used items. Not everything has to be bought new, and older things can hold historic significance, which make them more valuable. Flea markets and second-hand shops are full of rare finds that make unique gifts for great value.


Alternatively, you can pass down things that you no longer use and that you know will make the other person happy. This is especially handy for children, as they will not notice the difference between an old and a new object. Passing down old toys or clothes also make for interesting stories, which adds even more value to the gifts.


6) Secret Santa


Instead of buying presents for the whole family, each member gives to one or two people. This allows you to dedicate more time to the person you are offering to, by taking the time to look for a suitable gift or to even make something personal. Secret Santa is also a good way to save money, especially for those on a budget.


7) Wrapping paper & cards


The festive season brings to mind scattered pieces of wrapping paper, mounds of opened packaging and stacks of cards. One way to reduce waste is to wrap presents in scarves, recycled paper, old newspapers or magazines, older packaging or even bags that are already in the home. If you are feeling creative, you can paint the packaging or add decorations to the gifts, which will give them a personal touch. For bows, opt for string or cloth stripes instead of plastic. E-cards are a great alternative to paper cards, as electronic mail pollutes less than the paper industry.

8) Lights


In the dark months of winter, we adorn our houses and streets with lights of every kind. To reduce your carbon footprint and electricity bill, opt for energy-efficient lighting. The most common and widespread are LED lights: they are energy saviours, last longer than regular lights and they can be recycled.


lights Alexandra Cacavas photography bokeh

9) Christmas tree: real or artificial?


Which is more sustainable, an artificial tree or the real deal? The answer is: it depends. It depends on your location, your resources, your budget, your traditions, etc. Personally, I lean towards artificial trees.


Artificial trees are usually made from plastic, which means that fossil fuels are involved. While their production is not environmentally friendly at all and certainly not local, they last many years. They are also less expensive than real trees. Therefore, they are a sustainable and an economical option in the long term.


When opting for an artificial tree, no real trees are have to be cut down and no pesticides are used. The biggest downside, however, is that artificial trees are not recyclable, while real one are biodegradable, if disposed correctly. And, of course, your living room will not smell like a pine-tree forest!


10) Avoiding holiday deals and sales


They can be tempting, but Christmas is the time of year when we consume the most. Rule number one of sustainability and minimalism: avoid buying things you do not need.


11) BONUS: Quality over quantity


At the end of the day, what makes the holidays truly special is the moments that we get to spend with loved ones. This year especially has taught us how precious human contact and life can be.


I am grateful for the things I already have, for the people that surround me, for the goals I have accomplished this year, for the roof above my head, the food at my table and the warm bed that allows me to sleep peacefully at night. What are you grateful for this year?


candles winter christmas Alexandra Cacavas photography

© All pictures were taken by me.


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Alexandra Cacavas | Astrologer & Esoteric Facilitator
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