Don’t Let that Eco Guilt Getcha

Are the holidays getting in the way of your sustainability goals? Are Zero Wasters making you feel like you’re blowing it by participating in Christmas cheer? Are your friends and family not seeing the light or not picking up what you’re putting down?

Don’t let your interest in living a more eco friendly life, suck the fun out of the season. But I get it. It feels like retiring to your underground bunker is the only way to avoid the consumerism S show that is the holidays. It can create a lot of anxiety if you’re trying to live that good good green life.

Here’s what I say. Do it to the best of your ability, cut yourself some slack, but you can take some control. And then just sit back and enjoy that egg nog with a splash of rum.

Some ways to manage

Give sustainably. You can control what you give. Give an experience, a quality gift you know they want, give zero waste items… the list goes on.

If you don’t want a gift, say it. Honestly, you’re giving people a break. If that feels too uncomfortable, ask them to make a donation to a charity you love, or to your kids’ school or to something they love in your honor.

Tell people exactly what you want or need. People are exhausted. Tell them what you want or what you want them to get your kids. Be specific. That way you can opt out of junk and request the things that will last. We’re doing for something pricier for the kids and the family will chip in what they would like.

Refuse where you can. There is so much free junk this time of year, refuse the stuff you don’t want to deal with finding a home for.

Use Buy Nothing to get second hand gifts or pass things along. I like to sit with the kids and go through items they’re ready to part with this time of year. Don’t ignore the little things that make good stocking stuffers. Don’t feel guilty. Give thanks and pass it on.

Regift. There’s not shame in that game anymore.

Stay on your food waste game. There is so much waste around the holidays and this is one thing that may be in your control, at least within your household. Compost, watch your serving sizes so you’re not scraping food into the trash, use your scraps, donate canned goods to a pantry.