The holidays are a magical time of year for so many. However, they can also be a time during which we unnecessarily produce a lot of waste. Want to enjoy the holidays in a more sustainable way? Here are some simple tips to help you celebrate with loved ones while being more environmentally conscious.

*Reuse Packaging Materials

Ensuring that your gifts are sustainably packaged doesn't mean that you have to give up on making them look cute. In fact, aiming to be sustainable can encourage creativity. Old, reused wrapping paper is an obvious choice, but there are plenty of other options, such as old newspapers, magazines, and boxes from the mail or from items you've previously bought. Consider, for example, wrapping your gift in an old box of the recipient's favorite cereal. While it may seem a bit silly at first, it's an easy way to sustainably gift in a personalized way.

*Gift Consciously

Finding the perfect gift can be really exciting. However, keep in mind how long the recipient will actually be using it. If the gift is an item that realistically won't be used often, such as a T-shirt with a very specific inside joke or a basket with undesired snacks, consider whether or not it's actually a gift you want to be giving.

Additionally, consider if your gift encourages sustainability on the recipient's part. A gift card for a business that has poor environmental practices or an item that the recipient won't use, for example, will likely create more waste. Think about what the recipient will do with your gift before you get it.

*Shop Locally

While ordering gifts and decorations online is incredibly easy nowadays, the shipment of those ordered items can create a lot of waste in packaging, as well as a lot of pollution from transportation. Consider doing your holiday shopping locally. The holidays are an especially good time to shop from small businesses in your community.

*Shop Secondhand

There may be a stigma around giving people presents that were purchased secondhand, but there really shouldn't be. A vintage glassware set or a rare band T-shirt found in a resale shop can be incredibly thoughtful and unique gifts that you just can't find new.

If you are not having luck with secondhand stores near you, sites like Poshmark, thredUP and even eBay can help you find the perfect present.

*Decorations

One of the most exciting parts of the holiday season is decorating the home. However, buying new decorations every year not only requires money but also can produce a lot of waste. As trends and tastes change throughout the years, be more conscious about your decoration purchases. Will you like this ornament next year? How about in three years? Asking yourself if you will truly enjoy the decoration in the future can prevent you from making purchases you'll end up regretting. It will also save you space when it comes time to store your decorations during the rest of the year.

*Cook Realistically

For many, food is the best part of the holiday season. While we often enjoy feasting on the day(s) of the holiday itself, the thought of having a lot of leftovers can be overwhelming. When preparing food during the holiday season, consider how much of it you will want to be eating in the future. If you know you will not enjoy having leftover turkey, for example, and will likely throw some away, consider making less or making something else, or find someone who will enjoy that leftover turkey. Package leftovers in reusable food storage containers for guests to take home and enjoy.

*Ensure Eco-Friendly Lighting

No matter what holiday(s) you celebrate, special lighting adds a warm touch to the season. Make sure, however, that your lighting is sustainable. Energy-efficient LED lights can be better for the environment than traditional Christmas lights, and they last longer. Recycle your old Christmas lights by finding a site nearby. Turn off and unplug any lights that aren't being actively enjoyed, and set timers for outside displays.