12 Sustainable Ways Of Christmas
The holiday season can feel busy and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to! We’ve compiled our 12 “Sustainable” Ways of making the Christmas season more sustainable, less stressful, and toxic-free; now let’s cheers to that!
Non-Toxic Home Prep
Day 1: Non-Toxic Home Cleaning & Preparation
As you deck the halls and prepare for merry gatherings, consider these sustainable alternatives to conventional cleaning practices.
1. Unclutter with an Empty Basket:
The holiday season often brings a whirlwind of activity, leaving random items scattered around. Keep an empty basket nearby as you move through your home, effortlessly gathering and decluttering as you go. This simple practice not only maintains a tidy space but also sets the stage for repurposing forgotten treasures.
2. DIY Dusting Elixir:
Bid farewell to chemical-laden dusting sprays and embrace a DIY solution. Mix water, vinegar, essential oils, and a splash of olive oil to create a natural dusting elixir. This homemade alternative not only banishes dust but also leaves behind a refreshing, non-toxic aroma that aligns with the festive spirit.
3. Eco-Friendly Cleaning Rituals:
Elevate your cleaning routine by opting for eco-friendly solutions. Choose cleansers that are gentle on the environment and your well-being. As you dust and clean surfaces, you're not only creating a healthier home but also contributing to a sustainable holiday season.
Day 2: Non-Toxic Potpourri
As you prepare your home for the holidays, consider this delightful alternative to commercial air fresheners, which often hide hormone-disrupting chemicals. Let's create a festive aroma that's not only pleasing to the senses but also safe for your well-being.
Crafting a Non-Toxic Potpourri: (recipe courtesy of @albertalandgirl)
Ingredients:
Citrus peels (orange, lemon, or grapefruit)
Cinnamon sticks
Whole cloves
Dried herbs like rosemary or lavender (optional)
Instructions:
Collect citrus peels, ensuring they are thoroughly cleaned.
Combine the citrus peels with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves in a bowl.
If you desire a more complex scent, add dried herbs like rosemary or lavender.
Place the bowl in key areas of your home, such as the living room or kitchen, to let the natural fragrances waft through the air.
Benefits of Non-Toxic Potpourri:
Chemical-Free Aromatherapy: Unlike commercial air fresheners that may contain harmful chemicals, this DIY potpourri provides a natural and chemical-free way to enhance your home's atmosphere.
Customizable Scents: Tailor the potpourri to your preferences by experimenting with different combinations of citrus, spices, and herbs. This ensures a unique and personalized fragrance for your space.
Sustainable Scent Solution: By using kitchen scraps like citrus peels, you're not only creating a wonderful aroma but also repurposing items that might otherwise end up in the trash.
Day 3: Declutter & Minimalism
This holiday season, let's explore the art of minimalism, not only in our possessions but in our approach to celebrating and giving.
Cultivate Gratitude with a Journal:
Begin by starting a gratitude journal. Take a few moments each day to reflect on the positive aspects of the year and express gratitude for the people in your life. This simple practice can bring a sense of mindfulness and joy to your holiday season.
Minimalist Gift Exchange:
Shift the focus from extravagant gifts to meaningful exchanges. Propose a minimalist gift exchange with friends and family where participants prioritize thoughtful, essential gifts. This not only reduces the impact on the environment but also fosters a deeper connection between gift-giver and recipient.
Share Your Sustainable Resolutions:
Extend the spirit of minimalism into the new year by sharing your non-toxic and sustainable resolutions. Encourage others to adopt eco-friendly habits and embrace minimalistic lifestyles. Whether it's reducing single-use plastics or embracing a capsule wardrobe, every small step contributes to a more sustainable future.
Sustainable Gifting
Day 4: Homemade Cards & Thoughtful Gifts
This holiday season, let's shift from store-bought to heartfelt with a focus on creating meaningful connections.
Craft Your Own Holiday Greetings:
Set aside some time to craft personalized, homemade cards for your loved ones. Unleash your creativity with simple yet thoughtful designs using recycled materials, old magazines, or even repurposed fabric. Your handmade cards not only carry a personal touch but also reduce the environmental footprint associated with mass-produced cards.
Express Gratitude through Words:
Incorporate messages of gratitude into your homemade cards. Share why you appreciate each person and express how they've positively impacted your life. These heartfelt sentiments turn your cards into cherished keepsakes, spreading love and gratitude.
DIY Holiday Card-Making Gathering:
Host a virtual or in-person holiday card-making gathering with friends or family. Share ideas, materials, and laughter as you collectively craft your own cards. This not only adds a fun and communal aspect to the process but also emphasizes the joy of giving through personalized creations.
The Gift of Gratitude:
Encourage the recipients of your homemade cards to reflect on what they're grateful for this season. Include a small note inviting them to jot down their thoughts, fostering a shared sense of gratitude and connection.
Day 5: Sustainable Gift Wrapping
This holiday season, let's redefine the way we present our gifts, making each one a statement of eco-consciousness.
1. Choose Gifts from Ethical Brands:
Be a conscious consumer by selecting gifts from sustainable and ethical brands. Supporting businesses committed to environmental and social responsibility adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness to your gift-giving.
2. FSC-Certified Brown Paper Wrapping:
Wrap your gifts in FSC-certified brown paper for a sustainable and recyclable option. Add a personal touch by involving the whole family in decorating the paper with ribbons, paint, stickers, or markers. This creative activity not only enhances the presentation but also makes for a memorable family bonding experience.
3. Reuse Old Fabric for a Unique Touch:
Repurpose old fabric from around your home to create a distinctive and eco-friendly gift wrapping option. This not only reduces waste but also adds a touch of creativity to your presents. Consider using scarves, tea towels, or even pieces of old clothing for a personalized and sustainable wrapping solution.
4. Explore Wrappr - Beautiful and Reusable Options:
Discover the beauty of reusable gift wrapping options from companies like Wrappr. Their sustainable wraps can be used repeatedly, reducing the need for single-use wrapping paper. Not only do they look exquisite, but they also contribute to a greener planet.
Day 6: Non-Toxic Gift Giving
This holiday season, let's choose gifts that not only delight the senses but also contribute to the well-being of those we care about.
1. Organic Skincare Sets:
Treat your loved ones to luxurious organic skincare sets free from harmful chemicals. Look for products with natural ingredients that nourish and rejuvenate the skin. From moisturizers to serums, these sets offer a pampering experience without compromising on health.
2. Beeswax Candles:
Illuminate the holidays with the warm glow of beeswax candles. Unlike conventional candles that may release toxins when burned, beeswax candles are a natural and non-toxic alternative. They add a cozy ambiance to any space without compromising indoor air quality.
3. Eco-Friendly Water Bottles:
Encourage hydration with non-toxic, eco-friendly water bottles. Choose bottles made from stainless steel or glass to avoid harmful chemicals commonly found in plastic containers. Pair it with a stylish and reusable tote bag for an extra touch of sustainability.
4. Natural Fiber Clothing:
Gift comfortable and stylish clothing made from natural fibers like organic cotton, hemp, or bamboo. These materials are not only gentle on the skin but also environmentally friendly, as they often require fewer pesticides and chemicals during cultivation.
5. Non-Toxic Cookware Sets:
Upgrade the kitchen with non-toxic cookware sets made from materials like stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic. These options are free from harmful coatings that can leach into food during cooking, ensuring a healthier culinary experience.
6. Essential Oil Diffusers:
Create a soothing and non-toxic atmosphere with essential oil diffusers. Choose a BPA-free diffuser and pair it with a set of pure essential oils for a gift that promotes relaxation and well-being.
7. Organic Tea or Coffee Sets:
For the beverage enthusiasts, opt for organic tea or coffee sets. Choose blends that are free from pesticides and synthetic additives, providing a flavorful and non-toxic beverage experience.
Homemade Ideas
Day 7: Homemade Crafts
This holiday season, let your imagination run wild as you embark on a crafting adventure with upcycled materials.
1. Melted Bead Ornaments:
Turn colorful plastic beads into vibrant ornaments by melting them in the oven. This simple and budget-friendly craft adds a pop of color to your tree while repurposing old beads that might otherwise go to waste.
2. Popsicle Stick Sleds:
Gather popsicle sticks to create charming sled ornaments. A touch of paint and some glue can transform these ordinary sticks into delightful decorations that evoke the joy of winter sledding.
3. Cinnamon Stick Stars:
Wrap cinnamon sticks into star shapes to craft fragrant and visually appealing ornaments. Not only do they add a rustic charm to your decor, but they also emanate a warm and inviting aroma.
4. Salt Dough Snowman:
Mix up a batch of salt dough using common kitchen ingredients to shape adorable snowman ornaments. This versatile material allows for endless creativity, making each snowman unique and personal.
5. Clothespin Stars:
Give old wooden clothespins a festive makeover by arranging them into star shapes. A touch of paint or glitter can transform these everyday items into eye-catching decorations.
6. Christmas Tree Garden Gnome:
Craft whimsical garden gnomes using discarded Christmas tree branches. These charming characters add a touch of magic to your holiday decor while repurposing tree trimmings.
7. Homemade Wreaths:
Fashion wreaths from a variety of upcycled materials, such as old fabric scraps, wine corks, or even cardboard. Express your creativity by giving new life to items that might otherwise be discarded.
Budget Tip:
Shop Smart at Dollarama or Dollartree! Stretch your budget by sourcing most of your crafting supplies from budget-friendly stores like Dollarama or Dollartree. You'll find a treasure trove of materials without breaking the bank.
Day 8: Homemade Decorations
Transform your space into a haven of sustainability with these thoughtful and eco-conscious decoration ideas.
1. Sustainable Ornaments:
Add a personal touch to your tree by creating your own ornaments from recycled materials. Alternatively, opt for sustainable options like wood or recycled glass ornaments, available from eco-friendly retailers. Each ornament tells a story of creativity and environmental stewardship.
2. Natural Decor:
Embrace the beauty of nature with eco-friendly decor elements. Gather pinecones, twigs, and acorns to create rustic and charming decorations. These natural elements not only add a touch of the outdoors to your home but are also biodegradable, minimizing environmental impact.
3. DIY Wreaths:
Craft your own wreaths using a mix of dried flowers, herbs, and recyclable materials. This hands-on approach allows you to express your creativity while ensuring that your decorations are both unique and environmentally friendly. Consider repurposing items like old fabric or paper for a sustainable twist.
4. Energy-Efficient Lights:
Illuminate your space responsibly by switching to energy-efficient LED lights. These lights consume less electricity and have a longer lifespan, reducing environmental impact. For outdoor displays, opt for solar-powered lights, harnessing the power of the sun to create a magical ambiance without adding to your electricity bill.
Day 9: Homemade Gifts
Transform your gifting game with this delicious homemade granola recipe (courtesy of @tmcstadnyk), a gift that's equal parts thoughtful and tasty.
Granola Recipe:
Ingredients:
3 cups rolled oats
1 cup almonds, chopped
1 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 cup butter or coconut oil
1/2 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 250°F.
In a large bowl, mix oats, almonds, coconut, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg.
In a saucepan, heat butter (or coconut oil), honey (or maple syrup), vanilla, and salt. Once melted, pour over the dry mixture, mix well.
Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour and 45 minutes, stirring every 15-20 minutes for an even bake.
Allow the granola to cool completely before transferring it to a jar.
Gift Idea: Homemade granola is the perfect gift for spreading joy and nourishing the ones you love. Package it in a reusable jar, tie it with a festive ribbon, and attach a handwritten note with serving suggestions.
Vegan Option: For a vegan-friendly version, use coconut oil and maple syrup instead of butter and honey.
Customize: Make your gift extra special by adding raisins, dried fruit, or chocolate chips to the granola mix. Encourage the recipient to personalize their breakfast experience!
Holiday Cooking
Day 10: Healthy Non-Toxic Mocktails
This holiday season, delight your senses with non-toxic mocktails that are as flavorful as they are nourishing. (Courtesy of @sansorium_ @mindfulmocktails)
1. Moscow Mule Mocktail:
Ingredients:
1 cup ginger beer (non-alcoholic)
1/2 cup club soda
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Pour in ginger beer and club soda.
Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top.
Stir gently and garnish with a lime wedge.
2. 1-Minute Christmas Mimosa:
Ingredients:
1 cup sparkling water
1/2 cup 100% orange juice
Splash of pomegranate juice
Ice cubes
Instructions:
Fill a glass with ice cubes.
Pour in sparkling water and orange juice.
Add a splash of pomegranate juice for a festive touch.
Stir gently and garnish with a twist of orange peel.
Garnish Ideas:
Fresh cranberries for a burst of color.
Rosemary sprigs for a hint of herbal fragrance.
Mint leaves for a refreshing touch.
Lime wedges for a citrusy twist.
Day 11: Healthy Holiday Baking
Experience the pleasure of baking without the fuss, as we whip up a batch of these aromatic and delicious ginger molasses cookies.
Ginger Molasses Cookies Recipe:
Ingredients:
2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1/4 cup molasses
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine almond flour, coconut sugar, baking soda, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk together melted coconut oil, molasses, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until well combined.
Using a cookie scoop or spoon, drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Flatten each cookie slightly with the back of the spoon.
Bake for 8-10 minutes or until the edges are golden brown.
Allow the cookies to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
These ginger molasses cookies are a perfect blend of spicy and sweet, embodying the essence of the holiday season. Enjoy the pleasure of baking without the need for elaborate decorations or icing.
Day 12: Simplifying Christmas Dinner
Celebrate the joy of family gatherings and festive feasts without the stress. Here are some non-toxic tips to simplify your Christmas dinner preparation: (tips courtesy of @tmcstadnyk)
1. Prep Ahead for Ease:
Ease the workload on Christmas day by preparing as much food as possible in advance. From chopping vegetables to making sauces, planning ahead can save you time and reduce stress when the big day arrives.
2. Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes:
Enjoy a time-saving trick with slow cooker mashed potatoes. Boil, mash, and refrigerate the mixture a day before. On Christmas day, simply transfer it to the slow cooker and cook on low for 3 hours, stirring twice. This method ensures creamy and flavorful mashed potatoes without the last-minute hassle.
3. Make Cranberry Sauce in Advance:
Prepare your cranberry sauce a few days ahead. Boil, simmer, and mash the cranberries, then refrigerate for a hassle-free preparation on Christmas day. This allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a richer and more delicious sauce.
4. Turkey Cheat Sheet:
Cooking the perfect turkey can be a challenge. Follow this cheat sheet for different turkey weights and cooking times, ensuring a delicious and well-cooked centerpiece for your dinner table. This simple guide takes the guesswork out of turkey preparation.
5. Flavorful Turkey Rub:
Enhance the flavor of your turkey with a homemade rub. Mix softened butter, crushed garlic, poultry seasoning, black pepper, sea salt, rosemary, and sage. Apply the rub under the skin for a tasty and aromatic result. This non-toxic rub adds a burst of flavor without relying on artificial ingredients.
We hope these 12 “Sustainable” Ways of Christmas will help you enjoy a healthy and happy holiday season! Cheers!