It’s the most wonderful time of the year. But for many ​families with festive plans and hectic schedules, it’s also ​the most wasteful.

According to one survey, for example, 60% of ​respondents admitted to throwing away more than ​usual during the holiday months as they filled up their ​trash bins with uneaten food, wrapping paper, gift bags, ​and commercial packaging.

The reality is, Americans routinely toss about 25% more ​trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any ​other time of year, according to the U.S. Environmental ​Protection Agency. In fact, we throw away so much ​ribbon during the holidays—around 38,000 miles’ worth​—that the discarded material could easily run more than ​one and a half times around the Earth.

The reality is, Americans routinely toss about 25% more trash between ​Thanksgiving and New Year’s than at any other time of year, according to the ​U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.2 In fact, we throw away so much ​ribbon during the holidays—around 38,000 miles’ worth—that the discarded ​material could easily run more than one and a half times around the Earth

As our holiday schedules grow busier, many of us also forget to take simple ​steps at home to shrink our carbon footprints or prepare for a more energy-​efficient winter.

Luckily, it’s not that hard to shift our habits and plan for a more sustainable ​and environmentally-friendly celebration. Here are five ideas for ringing in the ​holidays this year without overstressing Mother Nature.

1. PREP YOUR HOME FOR WINTER

Depending on the amount of time and resources you have available, you ​could cut your carbon emissions significantly this season just by winterizing ​your home.

Investing in a more sustainable way to warm up your surroundings—such as ​a geothermal heat pump or solar heating—could be especially impactful if ​your current HVAC is underperforming and you can afford a more expensive ​system.

You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot upfront, though, to prep your home ​for winter. Even simple tweaks—such as sealing windows and doors or ​upgrading to more energy-efficient window coverings—can lower your ​energy consumption and reduce your carbon footprint.

Incorporating environmentally healthier habits into your routine can also ​make a meaningful difference. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, ​for example, dialing back your thermostat by as little as seven to 10 degrees ​for eight hours a day can trim up to 10% from your bills.

Consider a home energy assessment to help you pinpoint what needs fixing. ​Depending on your comfort level, you can audit your home’s energy ​efficiency yourself with the help of the Department of Energy’s DIY Guide.9 Or ​you can hire a professional, such as a home energy auditor or weatherization ​contractor.10 Call us for a recommendation or personal referral.

2. DECORATE SUSTAINABLY

Decking your home’s halls is one of the most jolly seasonal activities of all. ​There’s something special about gathering ’round with friends and family ​and relaxing in the comforting glow of a festively decorated space.

But since so much of the holiday-themed decor that’s sold in stores is ​notoriously disposable, it can be a challenge to spruce up your home ​sustainably. Cheaply produced and rarely recyclable, store-bought ​decorations are often made with plastic, styrofoam, and other ​environmentally unfriendly materials that can crowd landfills for generations.

Luckily, you don’t have to trade style for sustainability when making your ​holiday decor. Thrifting is still in vogue, so consider crafting new and on-​trend decorations out of secondhand finds or upcycling items already in your ​closet.

For example, you could transform an ill-fitting sweater into a holiday-themed ​pillow, turn teacups into candles, or turn leftover shipping boxes into creative ​decorations. Alternatively, natural decor foraged from your yard—such as ​dried leaves, flowers, pine cones, and branches—can make for especially ​beautiful wreaths and centerpieces.

If you do purchase store-bought decor, proactively look for the most ​environmentally friendly options. LED lights are now ubiquitous in stores and ​use far less energy than incandescent versions.Similarly, if you celebrate with ​a Christmas tree, think twice about choosing an artificial option. Plastic trees ​may be reusable, but natural trees are generally thought to have a smaller ​carbon footprint.

3. CUT BACK ON HOLIDAY SHOPPING

Shopping online or at the mall may be convenient, but it can be costly for ​the environment. The greenhouse emissions from shipping and ​transportation alone add up fast, as do the emissions that are produced ​when an item is first made. According to the online consignment and thrift ​store, thredUp, 4.5 billion pounds of carbon emissions could be saved if ​every American bought just one used item instead of new this year.

Splurging on brand-new products also makes it more likely that the gently ​used but still functional items that you’ve got at home will wind up in the ​trash.

Rather than buy new, check vintage stores and consignment shops for ​unique gifts that you and your recipient can both feel good about. ​According to research by thredUp, most people are open to receiving ​gently-used presents, especially if they’re socially-conscious members of ​Gen Z. Alternatively, consider regifting items that you haven’t used, ​upcycling something you own, or try crafting gifts by hand.

Giving away special experiences, such as concert tickets or community ​memberships, may also be a more eco-friendly option. So is donating to a ​favorite charity in a gift recipient’s name or offering gifts of time, such as ​promising to help a loved one clean out their garage or fill their freezer with ​home-cooked meals.

Research shows that gift recipients often value thoughtful gifts with ​sentimental value, especially if they’re homemade or nostalgic or will ​provide them with a unique experience.

And if you prefer to buy something tangible, look to local businesses that ​source or manufacture their goods nearby. Craft fairs and community ​markets are a great place to start. Or, give us a call and we’d be happy to ​share a list of our favorite local stores, depending on the type of gift and ​your budget. We make an effort to patronize the independently-owned ​shops and restaurants around town and would love to share our ​recommendations.

4. GREEN YOUR HOLIDAY DINNER

Do you hail from a family of passionate carnivores? If so, trading your meat ​for a vegetarian option may seem like a step too far—especially for a holiday ​dinner.

But swapping your meat for beans isn’t the only way to “’green” your ​holiday meal. For example, you can consciously source your meat from ​ethical sellers, prioritize local producers for seasonal sides, and serve ​enough filling vegetables to satisfy a large portion of your appetite.

You can also minimize food waste by planning ahead so that you don’t cook ​more than necessary. Check out the Natural Resources Defense Council’s ​dinner party “Guest-Imator” to help you narrow down how much food you ​and your guests will actually need.15 In addition, consider using the USDA’s ​FoodKeeper App to help track safety recalls and set up calendar reminders ​for expired food.

Once you’re finished eating, clear the table immediately and either freeze ​the leftovers you’d like to keep or send guests home with reusable ​containers. Or, if you have untouched food that’s still whole or in unopened ​packaging, take it to a local food bank or homeless shelter. We’d be happy ​to share a list of options in our area.

5. DONATE OR RECYCLE WHAT YOU CAN

We can still celebrate a fun and festive season without draining our ​community’s resources or sending leftovers to the landfill. And remember, ​we’re here to lend a helping hand, now or in the new year. This is the perfect ​time to strategize your next move or set some real estate resolutions with ​personalized guidance from an expert. Reach out today to schedule a free ​consultation.

The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only. It is ​not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate ​professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.