Conscious Christmas: Decking the Halls

These planet-conscious tips for holiday decorating are sure to get you on the nice list this year.

It’s that time of year — lights, tinsel, and holiday decor have taken over shop displays and shopping carts. But with the lasting climate impact of non-biodegradable materials and resources; sustainable swaps are the best gift you can give the planet this year.

Sustainable holiday swaps

• Save and reuse holiday gift bags — 1,043,262 kilograms (2.3 million pounds) of wrapping paper are wasted each year in the US alone.

• Shop locally for gifts and holiday treats to help reduce waste from shipping and packaging. Shipping contributes to 20.2% of total carbon dioxide emissions annually — and much of this number comes from online shopping.

• No need to buy new decorations, try to use the ones you've got. In the United States, 25% more waste is produced during the holidays.

• Use LED lights for decor — they're better for the environment because they last six times longer than regular lightbulbs and produce zero toxic elements.

• Create biodegradable decor using natural materials, such as ornaments made out of dried oranges, berry garland, or handmade wreaths.

Even the smallest sustainable swaps can make a positive impact. And if you want to do something extra nice to our planet this year — considering donating to VAKOVAKO to ensure a brighter future for our planet.