5 Ways to Use

The holidays are a time for connection, generosity, and celebration—but they’ve also become one of the most wasteful times of year. From single-use wrapping paper to impulse gifts that barely last the season, household waste can increase dramatically during the holidays.

Reducing waste doesn’t mean being a Grinch or giving up traditions. In fact, a low-waste holiday often feels more intentional, meaningful, and memorable. By making a few simple shifts, you can celebrate in a way that aligns with your values while still keeping the magic alive.

Here are 5 practical ways to reduce waste during the holidays, without losing what makes them special.

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1. DIY Ornaments Instead of Buying New

Store-bought holiday décor is often made from plastic, glitter, and synthetic materials that are difficult (or impossible) to recycle. Each year, millions of ornaments are purchased, used for a short season, and eventually thrown away.

A low-waste alternative? DIY ornaments made from materials you already have.

Ideas for zero-waste or low-waste ornaments:

• Dried orange slices or citrus garlands Cinnamon sticks tied with twine

• Salt dough ornaments made with flour, salt, and water

• Pinecones, acorns, or shells collected outdoors

• Scrap fabric bows or felt shapes

• Paper snowflakes made from old magazines or mail

DIY ornaments add personal meaning and nostalgia to your holiday décor — and they’re especially meaningful when made with children or gifted to loved ones.

Bonus: They store easily, biodegrade naturally, or can be reused year after year.

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2. Make DIY Wrapping Paper Using Recycled Materials

. Make DIY Ornaments Instead of Buying New

Holiday ornaments are often made of plastic, glitter, and synthetic materials that aren’t recyclable and break easily. Instead of buying new decorations every year, try making your own using materials you already have or can source naturally.

Low-waste DIY ornament ideas:

• Salt dough ornaments (flour, salt, water)

• Dried orange slices or apple rings

• Pinecones tied with twine

• Cinnamon sticks bundled together

• Scrap fabric bows or yarn tassels

• Paper stars made from old magazines or sheet music

DIY ornaments don’t just reduce waste—they create traditions. Handmade decorations often become keepsakes that get reused year after year, making your holiday decor more personal and less disposable.

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3. Decorate With Natural Materials

Nature provides some of the most beautiful holiday decorations…without the plastic or packaging.

Natural holiday decor ideas:

• Evergreen branches, eucalyptus, or rosemary

• Pinecones, acorns, and dried leaves

• Dried citrus garlands

• Beeswax or soy candles

• Wooden ornaments or bowls

• Fresh flowers or potted plants

Natural materials can be composted, reused, or returned to the earth after the season ends. They also bring warmth, scent, and texture into your home that plastic decorations simply can’t replicate.

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4. Choose Second-Hand or Pre-Loved Gifts

Second-hand gifts are one of the most powerful ways to reduce waste during the holidays—and they’re often more meaningful and unique than something brand new.

Great second-hand gift ideas include:

• Books (especially vintage or hard-to-find editions)

• Toys in excellent condition

• Clothing or accessories

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5. Change the Mentality Around Holiday Consumption

Perhaps the most impactful way to reduce waste during the holidays is shifting how we think about gifting altogether.

Instead of focusing on quantity or trends, consider gifts that are:

• Experiences (classes, memberships, trips, shared activities)

• Items with longevity (high-quality tools, clothing, or home goods)

• Things the person actually needs (consumables, refills, replacements)

• Time or service (childcare, home-cooked meals, skill sharing)

Experiential gifts create memories instead of clutter. Practical gifts reduce waste by replacing items that would be bought anyway. This mindset turns gifting into an act of care rather than consumption.

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A More Intentional Holiday Season

Reducing waste during the holidays isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Even adopting one or two of these ideas can significantly cut down on waste while making the season feel calmer and more intentional.

By choosing DIY decorations, recycled wrapping, natural materials, second-hand gifts, and a more thoughtful approach to consumption, you’re not just reducing waste—you’re creating holidays that feel grounded, meaningful, and aligned with what truly matters.

Sometimes the most sustainable choice is simply slowing down and choosing with care.