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! 🎄
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