The holiday season is a time of joy, warmth, and connection but can also have a significant environmental impact. Finding the right balance is important and looks different for everyone. At Sheeco Events, we believe in celebrating sustainably, but we also know that everyone has unique needs and traditions. This season, we encourage you to make choices that feel right for you and your family. Even a single step toward sustainability can make a difference.

With that in mind, here are five practical, impactful tips to keep your holiday season sustainable. If you're looking to host a sustainable holiday gathering or educate your team, Sheeco Events is here to help with everything from event planning to sustainability workshops.

Download a detailed guide at the bottom of the blog!

1. Gift PreLoved and Unique Treasures

The culture of “new” isn’t always better. Preloved gifts from antique shops, thrift stores, or even family heirlooms bring a unique touch to holiday gifting. Antique stores are filled with one-of-a-kind items that often carry rich histories, and shopping secondhand prevents the need for additional resources to create new products. Plus, thrifted finds are often far more memorable than anything purchased in a hurry!

Another thoughtful option is to pass down something meaningful, like jewelry or a family artifact. These gifts are personal and unique, creating a more intimate connection with the recipient. Whether you’re passing down a vintage record player or a childhood favorite book, preloved gifts can be thoughtful, unique, and even sustainable.

2. Give the Gift of Experiences

The holiday season is about creating memories, and what better way to encourage this than through experiences? By gifting experiences instead of physical items, you can reduce waste and create opportunities for joy that last long after the holiday season ends.

Some ideas include:

• Museum Memberships: These provide year-round entertainment and support local nonprofits and cultural institutions. 

• Concert or Theater Tickets: Live performances create memories, and supporting the arts is a great way to give back to the community.

• Outdoor Adventures: A national park pass, camping trip, or outdoor activity can foster a love of nature and an opportunity for your loved ones to learn about their communities.

When you give experiences, you offer something irreplaceable—moments that build connections and bring lasting joy. 

 3. Watch Out for Non-Recyclable Wrapping Paper

Wrapping gifts is a beautiful tradition, but the environmental impact can be high if you’re using non-recyclable materials. Shiny, glittery, and metallic wrapping paper may look festive but often can’t be recycled, meaning they end up in landfills or contaminate recycling bins.

Instead, opt for sustainable options like:

• Kraft Paper: Simple and recyclable, kraft paper can still look festive when decorated with twine or natural elements like evergreen sprigs.

• Fabric Wrapping: A beautiful scarf or fabric wrap can double as part of the gift and is reusable!

• Reusable Gift Bags: Choose sturdy, festive bags that can be reused year after year, cutting down on single-use paper waste.

 4. Reduce Food Waste

It’s all too easy to overestimate how much food is needed during the holidays, leading to waste. Fortunately, with a bit of planning, you can enjoy the feast without the guilt.

Here are a few tips:

• Plan Carefully: Tools like the Guestimator on savethefood.com help you estimate the right amount of food based on your guest list.

• Share Leftovers: Send guests home with leftovers using recyclable or compostable containers, or have a “leftover swap” so everyone can enjoy a variety of dishes postparty.

• Compost: If you end up with scraps or inedible food waste, composting is a great option to keep food waste out of landfills.

Sheeco Events specializes in waste-conscious event planning. Our holiday parties are designed to minimize food waste, and we work with vendors and partners to ensure all excess food finds a good home or is composted sustainably.

5. Look for Sustainable Certifications for New Gifts

When you decide to buy new items, choosing products with sustainable certifications ensures you support businesses that prioritize ethical practices. One of the most reliable certifications is the B Corp designation, awarded to companies that meet high social and environmental responsibility standards.

Other certifications to look out for include Fair Trade (for fair wages and ethical labor practices) and Certified Organic (for products grown without harmful chemicals). Choosing these products means that your gift has a positive impact from production to purchase.

Need Help Going Green this Holiday Season?

Sheeco Events is here to help you make your holiday celebrations and gatherings meaningful and eco-friendly. Whether you’re interested in a zero-waste holiday party, sustainable decor, or even a workplace workshop on sustainable holiday practices, we’ve got you covered. We specialize in creating events with minimal waste and maximum impact, ensuring each celebration is memorable, joyful, and kind to the planet.

Let’s celebrate thoughtfully, give mindfully, and cherish sustainability this holiday season. If you’re ready to take the next step in sustainable holiday planning, reach out to Sheeco Events. Together, we can make this season one to remember—for all the right reasons.

Happy holidays from Sheeco Events! 🎄