IFSCC is grateful to Marley Finnegan, Founder of Purpose, for getting IFSCC motivated in this collaborative holiday guest blog post. If IFSCC members and committee volunteers would like to share information on the IFSCC blog about opportunities (and challenges) in their part of IL, please reach out to illinoiscomposts@gmail.com.
Did you know there are over 1,000,000 TONS of trash which go to landfill EACH WEEK between Thanksgiving and New Years? Instead of getting down and out on this hefty (pun intended) stat, let’s strategize on how to have a low waste holiday season. Landfills are the third-largest source of human-related methane emissions in the United States, accounting for approximately 15.1 percent of these emissions in 2019.
A little more daunting, just shy of 60% of methane generated in landfill comes from food scraps + organic materials, meaning that composting at home is one of the most impactful climate solutions we can incorporate into our lifestyles, along with eliminating meat from our diets.
Livestock accounts for 37% of all U.S. methane emissions and 38% of global land use – another important stat to keep in mind as you plan your holiday menus.
The combination of landfills and livestock account for 52% of US emissions – some definite food for thought for your holiday planning prowess.
let’s talk festive solutions
First bit of great news? Many ways to reduce waste include the reuse and repurposing of elements you already have!
While there has been a heated debate over the sustainability of cut Christmas trees – a cut tree is more sustainable IF it is responsibly composted at end of life, when compared to the footprint of the creation of a plastic tree (which will not decompose for 400+ yrs., if ever). Don’t worry, if you have a plastic or pink tinsel tree – just keep that thing forever (+ ever!) and pass it down generations and you’re still doing wonderfully – just don’t send it to landfill. An alternative to both of these choices is a potted Christmas tree, which can be replanted in your yard and/or reused as it grows.
As a teeny tiny example, if every family reused two feet of their holiday ribbon, the 38,000 miles of ribbon saved could tie a bow around the entire planet. 
heirlooms or keep it (forever)
When decorating around the house, keep the family heirlooms you like and reuse, reuse, reuse. If you buy new, only buy things that you can confidently commit to using forever – and passing down as future heirlooms. Other ideas for annual interactive, homemade elements are creating organic gingerbread houses/cookies, stringing wine corks, popcorn or cranberries as garland – all of which can be composted.
dinner party DO’s
Leading climate non-profit, Project Drawdown, lists cutting down on food waste (ahem, composting!) and eating less meat as the two most impactful ways that individuals can cut their own carbon footprint. If you must serve meat, Chicken + Fish are the lowest emissions options. Check out Purpose’s extensive FREE download, “21 Sustainable Dinner Party Tips,” and get comprehensive in the planning of your earth-first festivities. ReFED recommends a Plan ahead, clean out your freezer and have a thoughtful “leftovers strategy,” which we concur on – and recommend being stocked with lots of reusable “to go” containers.
as for gifts: experiences are IT
If you’re in a panic about gifting – fear not.
The most amazingly sustainable gifts are experiences. A unique experience can be thoughtfully tailored to the individual – down to a handmade card – while likely supporting local, small businesses – and the hospitality industry at large.
sustainable gifting examples include:
- cooking class
- hotel stay
- composting membership
- sailing lesson
- pottery or art class
- jewelry making
- local weekend getaway
- concert tickets
- theater tickets
- ice skating
- lifetime membership to the National Parks
- spa day
- rock climbing membership
- ski lessons
- forest bathing
- reiki session
- acupuncture
- pickleball lessons
low to no cost gifting:
- a hike
- picnic
- coffee date
- ice cream
- Walk + talk date
- Christkindlmarket date
And you can even take a virtual composting class (prices vary) – or better yet, teach someone how to compost, after becoming an expert yourself! The gift that keeps on giving (to mother earth)!
Arguably, the most heart-warming month can get even deeper through being intentional with your consumption. Cheers to having thoughtful diligence and a firm commitment to lowering your holiday season waste. There is nothing more heartwarming than the feeling of aligned activism, combined with a glass of natural wine. 