Author: Saloni Dahanukar
With so many of us eagerly anticipating the wonders of fall and the many festivities that come with the last 4 months of the year, our minds naturally turn to all the exciting things we will be doing out of office. But did you know that the amount of pollution, degradation and wastage of resources during the festive season rises an extra 30% compared to the rest of the year.
Given these figures, it is imperative for us to resort to eco-friendly ways and find more sustainable alternatives to celebrate with our loved ones. From energy saving practices to building a more organic wardrobe, here are 5 tips to help you have a more eco friendly festive season!
Reuse, Recycle, Rent.. you get the point
The triple R formula doesn't just hold true for clothes, but also for decorations, cutlery, crockery and all the other tangible pieces that are put to use this time of the year. One could say “there’s no need to switch up the aesthetic every year” but I would rather say - choose decorations that are timeless and add a signature look to your home. The ones that you’re excited to unbox every year because you missed having them around. Rent your Christmas trees, furniture and barbecue grills so it saves you the pocket damage and the storage space.
Be conscious with your gifts
It’s true that gifting is an integral part of festivities (especially in South Asian cultures), but is the extra pretty plastic packaging really worth the planet’s sacrifice? Breaking the traditional gift giving mould and turning to more sustainable options like sustainable clothing made out of long lasting fabrics like organic cotton clothes or bamboo socks , digital subscriptions, charitable donations, gift vouchers or travel coupons can reduce waste and in turn promote experiences that add to the quality of life. If you really want to go the extra mile, you could also adopt an endangered animal and gift it to your loved ones as a token of love for them and the planet.
Build a sustainable festive wardrobe
Wearing what you already have is of course the most sustainable option there is but instead of shopping for a fully new fit, understand the gaps you have in your wardrobe and try to fill them. That lehenga from last year? Mix it up with a new blouse that you can re-wear with multiple outfits! For pieces that you know you’ll end up wearing only once or twice, renting is the way to go. Opt for eco friendly/local artisans that use low impact materials. Invest in a capsule wardrobe that is suitable for most occasions so that the pieces complete each other (Check out a few wardrobe essentials here). There are a million choices, really.
Save energy (wherever possible)
Festive season means long weekends, and long weekends mean holidays. Don’t forget to turn off all your appliances when you leave the house. A little can go a long way with this. Additionally, while choosing lighting decor for your home, opt for LED lights instead of traditional light bulbs. LED lights not only save energy but also emit much less heat and carbon emissions, making them an excellent option for the festive season. Travel responsibly. Try to carpool to events and make sure to keep your carbon footprint in check.
Keep up the karma
Pick up the litter. Don’t buy that plastic bottle. Not just for the pat on the back, but for good karma. Saving the planet and helping mother nature is one of the best feelings ever. So if you’re doing your bit to help, know that you’re already one step closer to a more sustainable life!