The seasons are changing, the days are shorter, and the holiday season is here! Keep reading for tips on how to be more sustainable throughout all your holiday festivities:   

1. Gifting Experiences 

For many, gifts are a large part of the season, so you may welcome some gift-giving inspiration. Consider a gifted experience for your loved ones! This could mean a gift card for their favorite store, tickets to a concert or comedy show, a guided pottery or candle making class, or a home-based DIY project. Think about what your friends and family would enjoy, explore local options, and get creative. 

A gifted experience will not only provide them with priceless memories or help them discover a new hobby, but you also avoid creating waste through wrapping paper, paper cards, or possibly unwanted items.  

2. Reducing Food Waste 

Whether you’re hosting the holiday meal at your place, or you’ve been tasked with bringing a side dish to grandma’s house, there are many ways you can help eliminate food waste this holiday. Some methods are: 

• Bring reusable leftover containers: Holiday leftovers don’t have to go to waste! You can bring a reusable food container to take home your favorite dish, and you can encourage guests to do the same.  
   
• Using scrap food: Use dish remnants, like veggies or meat/fish bones, to make a flavorful stock for future dishes, or use excess fruits from the hors d’oeuvres or desserts to make fun mocktails for guests! 
   
• Composting: If you don’t already compost, give it a try! Composting is nature’s way of recycling and offers a great way to dispose of food scraps or unwanted leftovers. Click here to learn more about Fairfax County’s composting options. 

3. Renting Clothes for Holiday Parties 

This holiday season, you may have the opportunity to attend holiday events or parties. If you don’t want to splurge on a one-time outfit, consider renting from an online clothing rental platform. This can allow you to be fashion-forward, while saving room in your closet and being easy on your wallet and the environment!  

Not finding your dream holiday outfit? You can often source one-of-a-kind clothing from local thrift or consignment shops, as well as online secondhand stores. 

Fairfax County's Office of Enivronmental and Energy Coordination wishes you a safe and sustainable holiday season!