10 Easy Ways to Have a Sustainable Holiday, According to Experts

The holiday season brings extra waste. You can lower waste with smart, green choices. Sidney Lee uses tips from Ryan Zimmerman—Director of Communications and Partnerships at Grove Collaborative—to show simple ways to celebrate sustainably. Their advice and product picks help make your holiday kinder to the earth.

Why Sustainability Matters During the Holidays

From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, we shop, travel, and host. These actions do much harm when they create waste. Zimmerman asks us to think before we buy. He recommends swapping plastic for items we can use again or let break down naturally. Natural materials like aluminum, glass, bamboo, and cotton work well. Grove Collaborative leads by featuring almost 400 brands that offer non-toxic, kind-to-animals, and proven products.

10 Sustainable Holiday Tips

1. Skip Traditional Wrapping Paper

Use wraps that you can use again. Try Bee’s Wrap made from certified organic cotton. You can also reuse newspapers, grocery bags, and old pillowcases. These choices cut one-time waste and can be used every year.

2. Choose Energy-Efficient Lighting

LED string lights use less energy. They last long and do not have toxic chemicals. This makes them a bright and green way to decorate.

3. Give Thoughtful, Sustainable Host Gifts

Think of host gifts that last. Dish towels from natural fibers soften over time and are both useful and green.

4. Replace Plastic Food Storage

Use leak-proof, reusable glass containers instead of plastic ones. This switch fights off chemicals and microplastic risks.

5. Use Reusable Tableware

Pick ceramic dishes, cloth napkins, non-plastic glass, and sturdy utensils. Using these helps you avoid one-time disposable waste at holiday meals.

6. Switch to Safer Cleaning Products

Select all-purpose cleaners made from plant-based ingredients. They come in recyclable aluminum bottles. This helps you care for your home with less harm to nature.

7. Cook with Chemical-Free Cookware

Try ceramic cookware like Caraway’s set. These pans help you avoid PFAS chemicals common in many nonstick sets, making your kitchen healthier.

8. Opt for Compostable Plates When Needed

For big parties when you lack enough reusable dishes, pick compostable plates that break down naturally. Look for ones that are certified for use at home.

9. Reduce Paper Waste with a Bidet

Install a bidet or choose bamboo tissues and toilet paper. These steps help you use less paper when guests come over.

10. Avoid Microplastics in Cooking

Choose bamboo cutting boards and utensils. They help stop plastics from shedding and keep your food safe.

Final Expert Advice: Be Mindful with Your Purchases

Zimmerman reminds us that waste comes from buying too much. Buying with care, choosing quality, and picking items built to last are the best ways to lower holiday waste.

Recommended Sustainable Products for the Holidays

• Bee’s Wrap Reusable Gift Wrap – $30, Grove Collaborative
• YIQU LED Christmas String Lights – $19, Amazon
• The Neighborgoods Natural Fiber Dish Towels – $32, Grove Collaborative
• Rubbermaid Brilliance Glass Storage (Set of 9) – $60 (25% off), Amazon
• West Elm 100% Linen Napkins – $48, West Elm
• Grove Co. Bio-based Multi-Purpose Cleaner – $5, Grove Collaborative
• Caraway Ceramic Cookware Set (12-piece) – $445, Amazon/Nordstrom
• Eco Soul Tree Free Compostable Plates – $8, Grove Collaborative
• Tushy Classic 3.0 Bidet Toilet Seat – $104 (19% off), Amazon
• Grove Co. Bamboo Cutting Board – $13, Grove Collaborative

Using these green tips and products, you can enjoy the holidays and help the planet. For more ideas on sustainable living and product tips, follow our blog.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.