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As the holiday season approaches, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on giving—not just to our loved ones but also to our planet and the communities harmed by environmental issues. In Illinois, prisoners continue to suffer from unsafe drinking water, and fish in the state’s rivers are contaminated with forever chemicals and mercury. Meanwhile, initiatives like Project 2025 threaten federal environmental protections crucial to environmental justice. This holiday season, consider weaving acts of environmental equity into your celebrations. Practice one or all of these twelve meaningful actions to promote sustainability for all.
Day 1: Reduce Waste with Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping
Opt for reusable gift wrap, such as fabric or recycled paper, instead of traditional wrapping paper. Get creative with old newspapers, scarves, or reusable boxes to minimize waste.
Day 2: Support Local and Ethical Businesses
Choose gifts from local artisans and businesses committed to ethical practices. This supports your community and reduces the environmental impact of shipping goods over long distances.
Day 3: Host a Sustainable Holiday Meal
Plan a holiday gathering with a plant-based menu. Incorporating more plant-based foods not only reduces your carbon footprint but also promotes healthier eating habits.
Day 4: Volunteer to Collect, Compost, and Recycle
Offer to organize the collection of cans, bottles, and food scraps during family gatherings. Drop them off at community gardens or compost facilities to keep them out of landfills.
Day 5: Visit an Arboretum for Holiday Lights
Enjoy the season by visiting an arboretum or botanical garden’s holiday light display. If you’re a business owner, consider sponsoring an environmental justice organization by donating tickets, creating memories while supporting nature.
Day 6: Gift a Subscription to Environmental Magazines or Charities
Gift a subscription to an environmental magazine or donate to a climate justice charity in someone’s name. This spreads awareness and encourages others to join the movement.
Day 7: Transition to Sustainable Gifting
Give gifts that promote sustainability, such as reusable shopping bags, bamboo utensils, or solar-powered gadgets. Choose items that encourage eco-friendly lifestyles.
Day 8: Create a Community Garden
If you have the space, rally your neighbors to create a community garden. This fosters community spirit, promotes local food production, and increases green space in urban areas.
Day 9: Advocate for Policy Change
Engage in advocacy by writing to local representatives about policies that promote environmental justice. Attend community meetings focused on sustainability to stay informed and involved.
Day 10: Offset Your Carbon Footprint
Consider purchasing carbon offsets for your holiday travel or purchases. Look for reputable organizations that invest in renewable energy projects, reforestation, or conservation.
Day 11: Practice Conscious Consumption
Before making purchases, ask yourself if the item is truly necessary. Focus on reducing overconsumption by prioritizing experiences or services over physical goods.
Day 12: Start an Eco-Friendly Tradition
Create a new family tradition centered on environmental stewardship—such as an annual tree-planting day or a monthly clean-up event. Making sustainability a family value can inspire future generations.
By incorporating these twelve actions into your holiday season, you can positively impact the environment while supporting communities disproportionately affected by environmental issues. Remember, every small action counts toward creating a more just and sustainable world. Happy Holidays!
Dr. Mila Marshall is an environmental professional and journalist with a passion for advancing sustainability in all sectors. Her passion is directed towards urban food systems in segregated cities.