The holidays are a whirlwind of joy, connection, and—let's face it—a bit of chaos. Between the endless shopping lists, countless grocery runs, wrapping piles of gifts, and decking every hall with festive decorations, it’s easy to get swept up in the magic of the season. But as we create these treasured memories, we’re also creating something less delightful: a mountain of waste. From plastic wrapping paper to excess food, the traditions we cherish can quickly turn the holidays into one of the most wasteful times of the year.
Studies from Stanford University reveal that between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, American households generate 25% more waste than at any other time of the year. This statistic might make some of us feel torn between celebrating and being sustainable, but thankfully, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. With a touch of mindfulness in our shopping, decorating, and gift-giving, we can enjoy the holiday season while reducing our impact on the planet. Here’s a look at key areas of holiday waste and some practical ways to keep your celebrations joyful and eco-friendly:
The Most Wasteful Holiday Items
When people think about holiday shopping, they are likely not considering the excessive amount of waste that comes with each extra purchase, but that is exactly what I hope you will do after reading this.
8 Biggest Contributors of Holiday Waste
As the holiday season approaches, it's important to consider the environmental impact of our celebrations. Each year, tons of waste are generated, adding strain to landfills and the planet. Here are the eight biggest contributors to holiday waste—and tips on how to reduce them.

Wrapping Paper
Wrapping paper often isn’t recyclable due to metallic finishes, glitter, and other non-paper materials. Instead, consider using recycled paper, newspaper, or reusable gift wrap options like fabric wraps. Or, get creative and decorate plain paper bags for a festive touch!
Ribbons & Bows
Most ribbons and bows are made from plastics, which linger in landfills for decades. For a sustainable swap, use natural twine, sprigs of greenery, or dried orange slices as decorative elements that can be composted or reused.
Gift & Shipping Boxes
Shipping boxes are another major source of holiday waste. With the increase in online shopping, the number of boxes skyrockets during the holidays. Reuse boxes you receive for gifting, or seek out companies that use recycled and recyclable packaging. Opt for one larger gift box rather than several smaller ones to minimize materials.
Gift Bags & Tissue Paper
Though gift bags can often be reused, tissue paper typically can’t. Try using fabric bags, scarves, or baskets for gift wrapping, which can double as part of the gift and be reused in the future.
Holiday Cups, Napkins, and Utensils
Disposable cups, napkins, and plastic utensils make cleanup easier but generate massive waste. Choose compostable or reusable options for holiday gatherings. If you're hosting, encourage guests to bring their own reusable cups or offer festive, washable dinnerware.
Unwanted Gifts
Many gifts end up in closets or even the trash if they aren’t needed. In 2020, The National Retail Federation estimated $428 billion in returns for unwanted products [2]. To avoid waste, consider gifting experiences, homemade treats, or donation-based gifts that bring joy without physical waste. Setting up a gift exchange can also help reduce the number of gifts while keeping the holiday spirit alive.
Food Scraps
Food waste is a big issue during the holidays. Plan meals carefully, keep portions reasonable, and send guests home with leftovers. Any food scraps can be composted if possible. This not only reduces waste but also enriches the soil for the next season.
Christmas Cards
Traditional holiday cards are beautiful but can be wasteful. Consider sending digital cards, or if you love the personal touch of a handwritten card, look for options printed on recycled paper. You can also DIY cards using materials you already have at home for a heartfelt and eco-friendly approach.
By being mindful of these common holiday waste contributors, we can celebrate the season in a way that honors both our traditions and the planet.
12 Environmentally Friendly Gift Ideas
Check out some of our favorite ideas for environmentally friendly gifts. It’s a great idea to consider if the gift you’re buying is a durable good; this means that it can last for three or more years. Plastic is cheap AND cheaply made, so focus on quality over quantity.
Bee's Wax Food Wraps - Check out these holiday-themed wraps
Plastic-free personal care products – Great for stocking stuffers
Sustainable Toys - Select those made from wood or bamboo
Homemade gifts - baked goods, candles, soaps, a favorite recipe, holiday bouquets, or a home video
Book an Outing - museums, movie tickets, sporting events, spa days, or a family photoshoot
Books - Give the gift of knowledge with books made from paper, and consider purchasing from secondhand bookstores or libraries.
Reusable Containers & Baskets - Gift wrapped in reusable items, the gift that keeps on giving. Look for products made with sustainable materials.
Sustainable Clothing - Look for items made with cotton or other natural fibers & avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, acrylic, and nylon which are made with plastic
Reusable mug or water bottle
Rechargeable batteries - they always come in handy
Money - Either email gift cards, college fund donation, or cash, who doesn't want that?
Ask for specifics - Include & ask for direct links for wish list items – this will avoid the number of unwanted items that will inevitably get returned
Low-Waste Gift Wrapping
Here are some of the best low-waste ideas to wrap up those thoughtful gifts. A few of these ideas can also save you some cash! Who doesn’t love that?
Try twine or yarn for bows
Reuse old gift wrap – try a reusable box or repurpose some newspaper (I like to collect and reuse gift bags)
Wrap gifts with a festive dish towel – not only is this eco-friendly, but useful too (and my personal favorite from this list)
Use craft paper – it is 100% recyclable
No glitter – glitter is made from PET plastic and over time releases harmful chemicals that enter our environment
Choose non-laminated and glitter-free cards - better yet, make your own!
How to Handle Holiday Waste
Handling holiday waste responsibly is essential for reducing the environmental impact of the festive season. When the festivities end, waste begins.
Tips for holiday recycling:
Flatten all boxes
Remove handles, ribbon, and tape from gift wrap
Rinse and air dry all recyclable food containers
The following items are not accepted curbside [3]:
Cards with a glossy finish or glitter
Bubble wrap
Plastic bags & plastic film/wrap – take these to your local grocery store for recycling
Laminated gift bags
Cellophane
Containers that are dirty or wet
Ribbons, bows, and gift bag handles
Cooking oil and containers
Holiday lights
Styrofoam
For more information on reducing plastic waste, check out this blog all about the basics of recycling.
Consciously reducing our waste during the holiday season not only helps our local communities, but it teaches those around us to care for our earth and be responsible consumers. This year, you don’t have to choose between celebration and sustainability. You can do your part by cutting back on wasteful holiday items, choosing environmentally friendly gifts, using low-waste wrapping, and mindfully handling any trash created. Remember the reason why we celebrate this holiday, and be glad for the friends and family you are sharing it with.
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References
[1] Stanford University (n.d.) Frequently Asked Questions: Holiday Waste Prevention. Retrieved from: https://lbre.stanford.edu/pssistanford-recycling/frequently-asked-questions/frequently-asked-questions-holiday-waste-prevention
[2] National Retail Federation (Jan. 11th, 2021). $428 Billion in Merchandise Returned in 2020. Retrieved from: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/428-billion-merchandise-returned-2020
[3] Waste360 (Dec. 14th, 2021). ’Tis the Season for Holiday Recycling! Retrieved from:https://www.waste360.com/waste-recycling/-tis-the-season-for-holiday-recycling-
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