The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and giving. However, it's also a time when waste levels spike dramatically. In Canada, the festive season brings a surge in waste production, with the average Canadian generating about 50 kilograms of waste in December alone. This figure is a staggering 25% higher than the waste produced in other months of the year, and a significant portion of this comes from packaging waste. In the U.S., the average American generates 43% more waste during the festive season, adding up to about 29 pounds of trash per week. Wrapping paper (58%) is the top holiday waste, followed closely by gift bags (57%).
The Environmental Impact of Holiday Packaging
The environmental impact of this holiday waste is profound. The wrapping paper, gift bags, ribbons, and boxes that adorn our gifts often end up in landfills, contributing to pollution and the depletion of natural resources. Most traditional wrapping paper, for example, is not recyclable due to the metallic finishes, glitter, and plastic coatings used to make it look festive. This means that after the gifts are unwrapped, all that beautiful paper is destined for the trash.
Moreover, the production of these packaging materials has a substantial environmental footprint. The energy and water required to produce paper and plastic packaging, along with the emissions from transportation and disposal, add to the holiday season's carbon footprint. This impact is further compounded by the increased demand for shipping materials, as more people opt to buy gifts online.
A Sustainable Approach to Holiday Gifting
At Conscious Collective, we understand the power of giving thoughtfully curated physical gifts over something seemingly less harmful like a gift card, which is why we are committed to curating from the most eco-conscious vendors and we use eco-friendly packaging solutions that not only delight recipients but also minimize environmental harm.
One of our favourite vendors is Ficelle Et Baluchon, a women-owned, Canadian company based in Quebec. They specialize in reusable fabric packaging, including wrapping fabrics and fabric gift bags. These beautiful and durable alternatives to traditional wrapping paper can be used year after year, significantly reducing the amount of waste generated during the holiday season.
Another standout vendor is Botanical PaperWorks, a Canadian company based in Manitoba that creates plantable seed paper. This innovative product allows you to give a gift that keeps on giving—literally! Whether you’re sending holiday cards or including a special message with your gift, Botanical PaperWorks’ seed paper can be planted after use, growing into flowers, herbs, or vegetables. It's a perfect way to make your holiday greetings sustainable.
How You Can Make a Difference
Reducing packaging waste during the holidays doesn't mean sacrificing the joy of giving beautifully wrapped gifts.
Here are a few tips to help you make more sustainable choices:
- Choose Reusable Packaging: Opt for fabric wrapping, gift bags, or boxes that can be reused multiple times.
- Go Minimal: Use minimal packaging and consider natural materials like twine, leaves, or pine cones for decoration.
- Support Eco-Friendly Brands: Look for companies like Conscious Collective’s vendor members that prioritize sustainability in their products and packaging.
- Recycle Responsibly: If you do use traditional wrapping paper or packaging, make sure it’s recyclable and dispose of it properly.
By making these small changes, you can help reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season while still showing your thoughtful appreciation and spreading cheer. Together, we can enjoy the festivities while also taking care of our planet, ensuring that future generations can continue to celebrate with a clear conscience.