Clutter-Free Holidays

By Jessica Hoelzel

The holidays are a time of gathering. Whether you take a minimalistic point of view during this season, or an all-out consumption attitude, you will acquire some clutter this time of year. However, it is possible to have a lighter impact on the environment. When I say “environment” I am speaking of two environments, really. The more immediate environments is your home, your dwelling space. And the greater environment is that of this lovely green earth we inhabit. Either place deserves the gifts of care and protection that we have the power to bestow upon them.

Be conscious of the precious environment of the place we dwell and the greater world this season with these ways to simplify:

1. Don’t buy wrapping paper or disposable bows.Ultimately all that wrapping is going to go in the trash, then the landfill. It is not recyclable. It clutters up rooms and fills the trash. Plus, a significant amount of energy goes into producing the paper, and transporting it.

Gift bags are reusable and you can even get ones made with recycled paper. Or look to other alternatives like using paper grocery bags – you can cut them to wrap and stamp to decorate, or let the kids have at it with markers. Tie them up with natural or reusable ribbons. If you feel gift wrap is the most practical way to present your gifts, use recycled paper like those from www.greenpaperstudio.com.

For large items, keep them in the plastic bag they came in, tied with a bow at the top for presentation. You can reuse that bag to gather trash from packaging later.

Another alternative is to not wrap things at all. Hide them until right before you want to present them. And certain things like hostess gifts or general exchange items can simply be placed under the tree as is. If you order a lot of gifts online, keep them in the box they were shipped in. Use a reusable bow or stickers to cover the shipping labels. Break down those boxes later, to store easier and reuse next year.

2. Corral the cards.Gather all holiday greeting cards in one area. Place a large ceramic bowl on the counter or the dining room table to display them. Or if you prefer to see each one in its full splendor, hang together in one place; possibly on a magnetic board or bulletin board.

Another green solution to cut down on waste is to send an electronic greeting card this time of year. You could send it in a simple email with an image, or send a letter as an attachment. Or look online for an electronic greeting – some are even free! Check out www.bluemountain.com.

3. Use real dishes, silverware and glassware.
Please don’t hurt the environment outside by using non-biodegradable disposable serving ware! Imagine millions of people using millions of plastic utensils, plates and cups – and how that adds up to clutter up our world with trash that doesn’t break down.

Instead, make the environmentally responsible choice. You can create a beautiful and special environment inside by using your own dishes. Plus, let’s face it, it is more enjoyable to eat off of a real plate with real silverware. The food just tastes better and seems more sacred.

If you are having a large gathering and won’t have enough, consider borrowing from a friend or relative. Many dollar and discount store have dishes for an inexpensive price, including festive ones. Or look to an antique store to reuse something from the past. You could end up with a very fun and creative table by mixing and matching.

Doing dishes after a good meal doesn’t have to feel like a hassle – besides the fact that you’ll feel good about your earth-friendly choice, you can make happy memories when clearing up after the meal. Encourage a culture of pitching in at your gathering. Some of my favorite holiday memories aren’t the gifts I got or what we ate, but working together in the kitchen, telling stories and jokes.

Blessings for a Clutter-Free Environment!

Stay tuned for:
10 Tips for Decluttering After the Holidays
Organizing New Beginnings for the New Year