The holidays are a time for joy, gatherings, and creating warm memories, but they don’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Living in a place as stunning as Salt Lake City, with its breathtaking mountains and vibrant outdoor culture, reminds us how important it is to be good stewards of our surroundings. Here are some eco-friendly holiday hacks to keep your celebrations green and guilt-free this season.
1. Deck the Halls with Natural Decor
Salt Lake City’s proximity to nature makes it easy to incorporate natural, sustainable elements into your holiday decor.
Foraged Greenery: Gather pinecones, branches, and dried leaves from your yard or nearby trails (like Millcreek Canyon or Liberty Park) to create garlands or centerpieces. Make sure to leave enough behind to keep the ecosystem healthy.
Reusable Decor: Invest in timeless pieces made from wood, metal, or fabric that can be reused year after year, reducing waste and saving money.
2. DIY LED Fairy Light Displays
Lighting up your home is a holiday must, but you can cut energy use by switching to LED lights.
Solar-Powered Options: With SLC’s sunny winter days, solar-powered string lights are a fantastic way to brighten your space without increasing your energy bill.
Timers: Use light timers to ensure your displays turn off when you’re asleep or away, reducing unnecessary power use.
3. Eco-Conscious Gift Wrapping
Skip traditional wrapping paper, which is often non-recyclable, and opt for these creative alternatives:
Brown Paper Bags: Decorate with stamps or stencils for a rustic-chic look.
Fabric Wrapping: Repurpose scarves, tea towels, or even festive fabric scraps as beautiful and reusable wraps.
Natural Embellishments: Tie your packages with twine and adorn them with sprigs of rosemary or cinnamon sticks for a fragrant touch.
4. Green Holiday Entertaining
Hosting guests? Make your gathering eco-friendly without sacrificing the holiday cheer.
Locally-Sourced Meals: Support SLC’s farmers' markets or local stores like Liberty Heights Fresh to source seasonal, organic ingredients.
Compost-Friendly Serveware: Use reusable dishes, but if disposables are necessary, choose compostable plates and utensils. Encourage guests to scrape leftovers into a compost bin.
Low-Waste Drinks: Serve local brews from places like Uinta Brewing or Squatters and use glassware to avoid plastic waste.
5. Eco-Friendly Trees
When it comes to Christmas trees, go green—literally and figuratively!
Live Potted Trees: Opt for a potted tree that you can plant in your yard after the holidays.
Local Tree Farms: Support Utah’s local growers and cut down on transportation emissions by choosing a tree from a nearby farm.
Tree Recycling: If you prefer a cut tree, check out SLC’s tree recycling program to make sure it gets turned into mulch instead of landfill waste.
6. Thoughtful Gift Giving
Focus on experiences or gifts that contribute to sustainability.
Memberships & Experiences: Gift a National Parks Pass, tickets to local attractions, or memberships to places like the Tracy Aviary.
Handmade Goods: Shop local artisans or craft your own gifts to reduce packaging and support the community.
Digital Cards: Instead of paper cards, send heartfelt e-cards or video messages to reduce waste.
7. Recycle and Donate Post-Holiday
Once the festivities are over, ensure your cleanup stays eco-conscious.
Recycle Wrapping Paper: Only recycle paper without glitter, foil, or plastic.
Donate Unused Items: Drop off extra decorations, gifts, or holiday items at a local charity or thrift shop to give them a second life.
Celebrate Responsibly
By incorporating these eco-friendly holiday hacks, you can enjoy the season while keeping your carbon footprint in check. Not only will you feel good about your choices, but you’ll also inspire friends and family to join you in celebrating the holidays with a greener twist.
Happy eco-friendly holidays from Hump Day Home Hacks! 🎄
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