The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and giving. However, it can also be a time for excessive waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generate an additional 25% more waste during the holiday season than during the rest of the year. This waste ends up in landfills and incinerators, where it releases harmful greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The good news is that there are many ways to reduce our waste and make the holiday season more sustainable. Here are a few tips:

Eco-friendly Products

When shopping for gifts, choose products that are made from sustainable materials and that are produced in an ethical way. Here are a few examples:

• Organic clothing: Organic clothing is grown without the use of harmful pesticides and fertilizers. It is also a more sustainable choice than conventional clothing, as it reduces water pollution and soil erosion.
• Fair trade products: Fair trade products are made by workers who are paid fair wages and who work in safe conditions. This is a great way to support sustainable development and economic empowerment in developing countries.
• Recycled products: Recycled products are made from materials that have been recycled and reused. This helps to reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfills.

Florence Organic Cotton Twill Pants in Summer Night Blue – Verte Mode

Sustainable Organic Carmela Playsuit – Verte Mode

Sustainable Organic Alviya Olive Lounge Set – Verte Mode

Organic Cotton Denim Maxi Skirt - Black – Verte Mode

Sustainable Organic Oasis Printed Lounge Pants – Verte Mode

Munich - PYRATEX® Organic Cotton Leggings - Green Ash – Verte Mode

Sustainable Organic Gaia Asymmetric Fringed Dress – Verte Mode

Cap Ferret Organic Cotton Poplin Kimono Dress in White Dove – Verte Mode

Fair Trade Upcycled Fabric Market Tote - Cream – Verte Mode

Darzah Tatreez Ankle Boot - Black and Ecru – Verte Mode

Darzah Red Tatreez Pouch – Verte Mode

Darzah Black Egypt Leather Tote Bag – Verte Mode

 Organic Fair Trade Whole Coffee Beans-1 lb Breakfast Blend – Verte Mode

Glow On Face Oil – Verte Mode

Everyday Glo Facial Oil 30ml – Verte Mode

Organic Perfume - CLASH – Verte Mode

 

Busy Bees Candle Company California Wildflower Honey – Verte Mode

Urban Pulse Cedarwood Natural Soy Wax Candle 9oz – Verte Mode

No. 0324 Aging Spirits Candle – Verte Mode

Hope / Rosemary Mint Scent: Candles for Good – Verte Mode

Recycled Steel Bottle – Verte Mode

Recycled UpLift Leggings - Serenity – Verte Mode

Dooeys Blue Grey House Shoe Loafers | Verte Mode

Recycled Poly Capri Legging with Pockets – Verte Mode

 Herban Wisdom® Facial Oil Braille ID Band – Verte Mode

 

 Herban Wisdom® Eye Cream – Verte Mode

Reusable Disinfectant Wipes - Set of 18 – Verte Mode

Cotton Facial Tissues - Saged Home – Verte Mode

Eco-Friendly Linen Christmas Tree Decorations (Set of 5) - Amour Linen – Verte Mode

Gift wrapping Alternatives

Gift wrapping is a big source of waste during the holiday season. Instead of using traditional wrapping paper and tape, try using more sustainable alternatives, such as:

• Reused materials: Use old newspapers, magazines, or fabric scraps to wrap your gifts. You can also reuse gift bags and boxes.
• Natural materials: Use natural materials, such as brown paper, twine, and evergreen boughs, to wrap your gifts.
• Furoshiki: Furoshiki is a Japanese tradition of wrapping gifts in cloth. It is a beautiful and sustainable way to wrap gifts.

Reducing Waste

Here are a few tips for reducing waste during the holiday season:

• Make a list and stick to it: This will help you avoid impulse purchases and overspending.
• Buy in bulk: Buying in bulk can help to reduce packaging waste. However, be sure to only buy items that you will use before they expire.
• Compost food scraps: Composting food scraps is a great way to reduce waste and create nutrient-rich soil for your garden.
• Recycle: Recycle all recyclable materials, such as paper, plastic, and metal.

Benefits of Shopping Sustainable

There are many benefits to shopping sustainable during the holiday season. Here are a few:

• Reduce your environmental impact: By shopping sustainable, you can reduce your waste and help to protect the environment.
• Support sustainable businesses: When you shop at sustainable businesses, you are supporting businesses that are committed to protecting the environment and promoting social justice.
• Give meaningful gifts: Sustainable gifts are often more thoughtful and meaningful than traditional gifts.
• Save money: Sustainable products can often save you money in the long run. For example, organic clothing is more durable than conventional clothing, so you can wear it for longer.

 

Shopping sustainable is a great way to reduce your environmental impact and make the holiday season more meaningful. By following these tips, you can give gifts that your loved ones will love and that will help to protect the planet. In addition to the benefits listed above, shopping sustainable can also help to support local businesses and communities. When you buy from sustainable businesses, you are helping to create jobs and boost the local economy. So this holiday season, make a commitment to shop sustainable. It's a great way to reduce your environmental impact, give meaningful gifts, and support a more sustainable future.