As the Christmas and New Year celebrations approach, it’s easy to get swept up in the holiday cheer—lights twinkling, gifts piling up, and tables overflowing with food.
But amidst the festivities, it’s worth pausing to consider how our traditions impact the environment.
For people surrounded by nature’s splendor, celebrating in an eco-friendly way is not only possible but also deeply meaningful.
Here are practical tips to make the holidays sustainable without sacrificing the joy of the season:
Opt for sustainable decorations
Baguio’s natural beauty is a reminder of why protecting the environment matters. Instead of buying plastic decorations, consider:
- Using Natural Materials: Pine cones, dried leaves, and native woven baskets can make stunning decorations. These materials are biodegradable and often free if you forage responsibly.
- Repurposing Old Items: Turn last year’s Christmas cards into garlands or reuse fabric scraps for ornaments. It’s a great way to reduce waste and add a touch of creativity. My daughter actually does this. She created a table-top Christmas tree from scraps, and we’ve been using it since the pandemic. All she does is make a few changes or replacements here and there as the décor or accessories become worn. Else, it looks fabulous!
- Switching to Energy-Efficient Lights: If you love the sparkle of Christmas lights, opt for LED versions. They consume up to 80% less energy and last much longer than traditional bulbs.
Rethink gift-giving
The holidays are synonymous with gift exchanges, but presents are also a major source of waste. To reduce your impact on the planet:
- Have Meaningful Experiences: Instead of giving material gifts, why not give your loved ones experiences? A hike to Mount Pulag, Mount Ulap or Mount Kabunian, a pottery class in Sagada, or a night of stargazing can be more memorable and special than any material gift.
- Support Local Artisans: The Cordillera is home to a lot of talented craftspeople. Buying handwoven textiles, wood carvings, or locally made products supports livelihoods and reduces the carbon footprint of imported goods you might otherwise purchase.
- Wrap Creatively: Replace shiny, non-recyclable gift wrap with alternatives like old newspapers, cloth (furoshiki-style), or reusable paper bags. Adding a sprig of pine or a cinnamon stick can make your wrapping look festive and unique.
Plan an eco-friendly feast
Food is central to any celebration, but it’s also where a lot of waste occurs. Here’s how to make your holiday feast kinder to the planet:
- Prioritize Local and Seasonal Ingredients: Baguio farmers’ markets are brimming with fresh produce. Choosing local vegetables and fruits reduces the environmental costs of transportation and supports local farmers.
- Cook Just Enough: It’s tempting to prepare a grand spread, but leftovers often go to waste. Plan your portions wisely and store any excess properly.
- Compost Food Scraps: Set up a compost bin for vegetable peelings and other biodegradable waste. It’s an easy way to reduce landfill contributions while creating nutrient-rich soil.
- Ditch Single-Use Plastics: Serve your dishes on reusable plates and glasses. If you’re hosting a large gathering, borrow extras from friends or rent party supplies.
Choose green travel options
For many, the holidays involve traveling to reunite with loved ones. To make your journey eco-friendly:
- Carpool or Take Public Transport: If you’re heading to nearby provinces, sharing a ride reduces fuel consumption. Baguio buses and jeepneys are also more sustainable options.
- Offset Your Carbon Footprint: If flying is unavoidable, consider purchasing carbon offsets (if available). These programs fund projects that reduce greenhouse gases to balance out your travel emissions.
- Stay Local: Sometimes, the best memories are made right at home. Explore Baguio parks, visit local museums, or enjoy the fresh mountain air in your own neighborhood.
Spread awareness and inspire change
The holidays are a perfect time to encourage eco-friendly habits in your community. Small actions can ripple into significant change:
- Organize a Holiday Cleanup: Gather friends and family to clean up local parks or streets. It’s a meaningful way to give back to the environment while spending quality time together.
- Host a Sustainable Holiday Workshop: Teach others how to create DIY decorations, cook with local ingredients, or wrap gifts using eco-friendly methods.
- Share the Message: Use social media to document your green holiday practices. Your efforts could inspire others to follow suit.
Give back to nature
The spirit of Christmas is about giving, and what better recipient than Mother Earth? Consider:
- Planting Trees: Coordinate with local groups like the Baguio Regreening Movement to plant trees that help combat deforestation.
- Donating to Environmental Causes: Organizations that work to preserve the Cordillera’s natural heritage could use extra support during the holidays.
- Reducing Energy Usage: Make it a tradition to have an hour of lights-out each evening. Light candles, share stories, and enjoy the serenity of an unplugged holiday.
Mindful new year resolutions
End the year with resolutions that reflect your commitment to the environment:
- Adopt a Zero-Waste Lifestyle: Start small by refusing single-use plastics and bringing reusable containers wherever you go.
- Advocate for Green Policies: Encourage local leaders to implement and enforce eco-friendly practices, from proper waste segregation to stricter anti-pollution laws.
- Commit to Sustainability Year-Round: Remember, eco-consciousness isn’t just for the holidays. Every day you have a chance to make better choices.
Celebrating the holidays in an eco-friendly way is all about aligning our traditions with our values.
This season can be an opportunity to honor the land we call home. By making mindful choices, we can ensure that future generations inherit a world that’s better than what we have today.
So, this Christmas and New Year, let’s celebrate with heart—not just for our loved ones, but for the planet that sustains us all.
