12 Days of Sustainable Celebrations: A Green Holiday Guide

Let’s embark on a vibrant journey, infusing excitement into the holiday season with eco-friendly fun! You’ll LOVE these spirited, green celebrations that promise both festivity and sustainability in every joyful moment.

  • Day 1: Eco-Friendly Decorations
    Embrace the festive spirit with sustainable decorations – think reusable banners, LED lights, and ornaments made from recycled materials. Reny’s, a local staple, has great low-cost options.
  • Day 2: DIY Green Gifts
    Get creative with handmade gifts that reduce waste and promote sustainability, such as knit or crocheted scarves and hats, bath salts and scrubs, hand-painted mason jars, or upcycled jewelry.
  • Day 3: Mindful Wrapping
    Wrap your gifts in reusable materials like fabric or recycled paper, and encourage your loved ones to reuse the wrapping, making it a sustainable tradition.
  • Day 4: Plant-Based Feasting
    Explore delicious plant-based recipes for your holiday feast. A sustainable diet can reduce your carbon footprint and still offer a tasty culinary experience. Replacing just one meal a day with plant-based products can make a significant difference in the long term.
  • Day 5: Waste-Free Celebrations
    Minimize waste by using reusable tableware and cloth napkins, and opt for compostable or biodegradable alternatives, when possible.
  • Day 6: Energy-Efficient Lighting
    Switch to LED lights to brighten up your holiday without compromising energy efficiency. Enroll in community solar for a more cost-effective approach in the short term and long.
  • Day 7: Local Holiday Markets
    Support local artisans and reduce the environmental impact of shipping by shopping at nearby holiday markets for unique, handmade gifts. Solar supporter, Thompson’s Point, has a much anticipated holiday event every year that offers gorgeous gifts for everyone in your community.
  • Day 8: **Green Transportation**
    If possible, carpool or use public transportation when attending holiday gatherings. It’s a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy a more sustainable commute.
  • Day 9: Charitable Giving
    Celebrate the season of giving by contributing to eco-friendly charities or organizations that promote sustainability, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council or the Wildlife Trust. Looking for a more hands-on approach? Follow in our footsteps and volunteer at Preble Street Resource Center.
  • Day 10: Nature-Inspired Traditions
    Incorporate nature into your holiday traditions—collect pinecones, dried flowers, twigs and branches for a festive holiday wreath you can make and share with your friends and family.
  • Day 11: Zero-Waste New Year’s Resolutions
    Kick off the new year with sustainable resolutions. Commit to reducing your waste, conserving energy, and supporting local businesses. Do all 3 with Maine Community Solar! Click here to learn more.
  • Day 12: Gratitude and Reflection
    Wrap up the 12 days by reflecting on the positive impact of your sustainable choices. Express gratitude for the planet and commit to maintaining eco-friendly habits during the holidays and beyond. 

Together, we can enjoy a festive and environmentally conscious holiday season!

Happy holidays from our family to yours! 🎄🎅