Jerry the Sloth here—your laid-back, eco-friendly buddy ready to help you make this holiday season sustainable and sensational. As someone who takes life slow, I’ve had plenty of time to think about how we can show love to our planet while spreading holiday cheer!
1. Wrap It Right
Did you know that around 2.6 million pounds of wrapping paper end up in landfills every year? That’s half of what’s produced annually!
That stat makes me want to crawl back into my tree and hug it tighter. But there’s hope with companies like Wrappily, who turn recycled paper and sawdust into adorable wrapping paper that’s eco-chic and recyclable up to seven times.
Pro tip: Save the wrapping paper you receive! Use it as tissue paper for future gifts, confetti for your New Year’s bash, or even packing material for holiday ornaments. And don’t toss those gift bags—they’re perfect for re-gifting. Sharing is caring, right?
2. Lean Into Experiences
Every holiday season, Americans throw away 38,000 miles of ribbon. That’s enough to circle Earth!
Why wrap up stuff when you can wrap up memories instead? Consider gifting experiences:
- Concert tickets for music lovers
- A yoga class package for your zen friends
- Sports tickets for the die-hard fans in your life
Bonus points if you deliver these gifts on a bike or public transit!
3. Shop Small, Think Big
Buying from small local businesses is a win-win—it generates more wealth for your community than shopping at national chains.
Skip the one-click cart madness and explore your local shops. You’ll find unique treasures, reduce the carbon footprint from delivery services, and help your community thrive. Bring your reusable shopping bags, carpool with friends, and make it a festive outing!
Pro tip: Local shops often have handmade gifts that come with minimal packaging—double win!
4. Ditch the Plastic
Holiday season waste includes an astonishing 125,000 tons of discarded plastic packaging. Of that, 79% ends up in landfills, 12% is burned, and only 9% is actually recycled.
Plastic? It’s not fetching us any wins this season. Opt for gifts with sustainable packaging or none at all. Ideas include:
- A plant for the aspiring green thumb
- A good book to curl up with
- Sustainably made candles to light up someone’s holiday
Fun idea: Put together a zero-waste gift box with goodies like bamboo utensils, beeswax wraps, and handmade soaps.
Wrap-Up (Pun Intended!)
By making small changes in how we shop, wrap, and gift, we can have a huge impact on the planet—and maybe even inspire others to do the same. This holiday season, let’s keep it merry, bright, and green. Because the best gift of all is a healthier planet for future generations.
Until next time, slow down, spread joy, and stay sustainable!