6 Eco-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the Holidays
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1. Recycled Paper for Wrapping and Decorations
Using recycled paper for gift wrapping and decorations is a great way to reduce your environmental footprint. Unlike new paper, recycled paper doesn’t require cutting down more trees. You can even take it a step further by reusing old newspapers or magazines for an eclectic and personal touch.
2. Craft Paper as a Sustainable Alternative
Craft paper is another excellent option for wrapping presents. It’s biodegradable and often made from recycled materials. Its natural and rustic look can add a unique charm to your gifts, and it's a blank canvas for your own decorations like stamps or drawings.
3. Avoid Glossy, Metallic, and Sparkly Paper
Traditional holiday wrapping paper with gloss, metallics, sparkles, or wax coatings is not recyclable and harms the environment. Opting for plain paper without these embellishments is better for the planet and can still look elegant and festive with the right decorations.
4. Raffia Ribbon for a Natural Touch
Replace synthetic ribbons with raffia ribbon. Made from natural fibers, raffia gives your gifts an earthy and charming appearance. It’s biodegradable, making it a much more sustainable option than plastic ribbons.
5. Hemp or Burlap for a Rustic Feel
Hemp and burlap are sustainable materials that can add a rustic and homey feel to your holiday decor. Use them for everything from table runners to gift wrapping. They are durable, biodegradable, and have minimal impact on the environment.
6. Bio-degradable Tape for Responsible Sealing
Seal your gifts with bio-degradable tape to round off your eco-friendly wrapping. Unlike regular tape, biodegradable tape breaks down naturally over time, reducing plastic waste. This small change can make a big difference in reducing your holiday waste.
Now what?
Celebrating the holidays sustainably is all about making mindful choices. These six ideas are just the beginning. By choosing eco-friendly materials like recycled paper, craft paper, raffia ribbon, hemp, burlap, and biodegradable tape, you’re not just creating a festive atmosphere; you’re also helping protect our planet.
This holiday season, let’s give the gift of sustainability to ourselves, our loved ones, and the environment.
Organizations Making a Difference Some of my favorite nonprofits doing incredible work right here in our backyard: 914Cares , Westchester Land Trust , Hope's Door , The Pantry , Community Center NW, and the Suzanne Grant Foundation . Each one addresses critical needs, from food insecurity and domestic violence support to land conservation and community programming. How We Give Back Together After every sale, I make a donation in my client's name to an organization of their choice. It's a simple gesture that creates real impact. But more importantly, it introduces people to the vital work happening in their new community. When you learn about your neighbors' needs and the organizations serving them, you don't just move to a place—you become part of it. This Holiday Season: Let's Hit the Give Back Program Hard The holidays are the perfect time to amplify our impact. Whether you're buying, selling, or simply wanting to make a difference, let's support these organizations together. A percentage of my profits goes directly back into the community, and I'm challenging myself—and you—to give even more this season. Keep Showing Up Giving back isn't a one-time event. It's about consistently showing up for your community, learning what's happening in your own backyard, and helping your neighbors assimilate and thrive. When we all contribute, even in small ways, we create stronger, more connected neighborhoods. Ready to make a difference? Reach out to learn more about the give back program, or pick your favorite local organization and support them today.
The holiday season is magical, but let's be honest—crafting with kids can sometimes feel more stressful than festive. Between the glue spills, the scissors mishaps, and the inevitable meltdowns, holiday activities don't always go as planned.
As a real estate agent who's helped dozens of New York City families relocate to upstate properties over the past few years, I've witnessed a transformation that goes far beyond real estate transactions.