2024 Zero Waste Holiday Guide: Sustainable Gifts & Eco-Friendly Tips 

Planning a sustainable holiday season can be joyful and stress-free! With these tips, you’ll reduce waste, save money, and enjoy more meaningful moments.  

 

⏳ Reading time: 2 minutes 

 

1. Plan Ahead and Get Creative 

 

• Make a Gift List Early: Start by listing who you’ll be gifting this year. Planning allows you to choose thoughtful, eco-friendly items without the holiday rush. 

 

• Note Secondhand Sources: Explore online marketplaces and thrift stores for unique finds. Keeping a list of secondhand sources helps avoid impulsive, waste-heavy purchases. 🛒 

 

2. Decorate Sustainably 

 

• Start Your Hunt Early: Look for decorations during off-seasons like spring or summer on social media marketplaces, thrift shops, and Freecycle groups. You’ll avoid the November rush and get great deals! 🕰️ 

 

• DIY Decor: Try pinecones, natural greenery, or homemade ornaments. A bit of DIY can turn simple items into cherished holiday pieces that last for years. 🌿 

 

• Drying fruit in my dehydrator makes before decorations! No dehydrator – no problem.   

 

Here’s how to dry fruit slices for holiday decorating, plus some creative ways to use them for a festive touch! 

 

 

How to Dry Fruit Slices: 

 

1. Slice Fruit: Cut oranges, lemons, or apples into 1/4-inch rounds. 

 

2. Preheat Oven: Heat to 200°F (93°C). 

 

3. Arrange on Tray: Place on parchment-lined baking sheet. 

 

4. Bake for 2-3 Hours: Flip every 30 minutes until fully dry. 

 

5. Cool: Let them cool on a wire rack. 

 

Creative Decorating Ideas: 

 

• Garlands: String for a natural garland on mantels or doorways. 

 

• Ornaments: Add ribbon loops for rustic tree ornaments. 

 

• Wreath Accents: Use dried fruit as a colorful wreath touch. 

 

• Gift Toppers: Tie onto holiday gifts for extra charm. 

 

• Centerpieces: Arrange with pinecones and greenery for a warm table look. 

 

Enjoy your eco-friendly, naturally fragrant holiday décor! 🎄🍊 

 

3. Thoughtful Gift-Giving Ideas 

 

• Homemade Gifts with a Personal Touch: Baking, DIY crafts, or creating photo albums are ways to give something meaningful without waste. 

 

• Experience-Based Gifts: Tickets to a concert, museum passes, or memberships make memorable, low-waste presents. 

 

• Eco-Friendly Kits: A zero-waste starter kit with reusable products is a thoughtful way to introduce others to sustainable living. 🛍️ 

 

4. Get Creative with Wrapping 

 

• Reuse & Repurpose: Newspapers, old maps, and fabric scraps are fun and creative ways to wrap gifts. Not only are they zero-waste, but they also make each gift unique. 

 

• Furoshiki Wrapping: Try this Japanese wrapping cloth technique for an elegant, reusable gift wrap. It’s practical, beautiful, and adds a touch of tradition. 🌸 

 

5. Mindful Shopping and Reducing Waste 💚 

 

• Make Lists and Stick to Them: Avoid impulse buys by planning. Buy items with recyclable or minimal packaging to reduce waste from the start. 

 

• Support Local Businesses: Buying local reduces shipping emissions and helps the community. When shopping online, look for companies with eco-friendly shipping options or slower delivery options to reduce carbon impact. 🌍 

 

6. Start New Traditions 

 

• Family Activities: Organize a family DIY Day to make holiday decor, have a holiday movie marathon, or volunteer together. 

 

• Rethink Wrapping as a Tradition: Start a “naked gifts” tradition by giving unwrapped gifts with a personal note attached, reducing waste and adding a unique personal touch. 

 

This season, make sustainable choices that are kind to the planet, save money, and create unforgettable memories.  You know we can! 

 

Happy zero-waste holidays my friend.🎉 

 

xoxo Angie Ringler