Whether you’re travelling home or celebrating overseas, discover how to make your festive period more joyful and sustainable.
The holiday season is a time for joy and often, a touch of indulgence.
As an expat, it can also be a cherished opportunity to reunite with loved ones back home or explore a new destination. And while the environmental impact of our celebrations - from travel emissions to the waste we generate - can be substantial, the festive season also offers a unique opportunity to embrace more sustainable practices.
Here’s how you can make your holidays more environmentally friendly, whatever your plans.
For many of us, the holidays mean travel. But although the environmental cost of air travel, in particular, is undeniable, there are ways to mitigate your impact while satisfying your wish to see family and friends or take a break.
If you're taking a holiday rather than visiting loved ones over the festive season, explore closer-to-home destinations for a less carbon-intensive trip. Long-term, consider taking a trip every other year, rather than annually.
If flying, look for direct flights where possible – take-off and landing are the most fuel-intensive parts of these journeys.
Many airlines and third-party businesses offer carbon offsetting programs. They’re not a perfect solution, but contributing to an initiative that invests in projects reducing emissions elsewhere does make a difference. Take some time to research to ensure you’re only supporting reputable initiatives.
Lighter luggage = less fuel consumption. That's true whether you're flying or driving. Be strategic about what you pack – do you really need all those extras? – and if planning an extended stay somewhere, check that you'll have access to laundry facilities.
In your destination, try to skip the hire car and instead use public transport, or even cycle to get around. Not only are these eco-friendly ways to travel, but they’re also often the best ways to immerse yourself in a new location and see the place like a local.
So-called "slow travel", like trains or coaches, is better for the environment than flying if you're travelling a relatively short distance. And like taking public transport, they’ll often offer you a unique perspective and experience, too.
Gift-giving (and receiving!) is a cornerstone of the holiday season. While it can contribute to a mountain of waste, there are ways we can rethink our approach and reduce the environmental impact of our gifting.
Instead of buying physical gifts, buy experiences instead. A spa day or tickets to a local attraction or event are all great ways to create lasting memories without adding clutter.
And if you're mindful of the impact of gifts you receive, consider asking loved ones to make a charitable donation in your name instead of buying you a gift.
If you do buy physical gifts, get them from local businesses in the place you’re travelling to. Not only does this support the local economy, but it also often reduces emissions, too. Look for gifts made from sustainable materials or by companies with a strong ethical and environmental focus.
Homemade produce, like jams and baked goods, knitted accessories like scarves or hats, or personalised crafts are all thoughtful and much appreciated gifts – and often zero waste!
There’s nothing wrong with regifting something you don’t use or finding a unique treasure in a second-hand shop. Vintage items can be incredibly special as well as sustainable.
Ditch shiny, non-recyclable wrapping paper and gift bags, and instead opt for reusable fabric wraps or brown paper and use natural twine or reusable ribbons rather than plastic-based sticky tape.
Food is central to festive gatherings, but food waste and buying from unsustainable sources can significantly increase your environmental footprint during the holiday season.
The easiest way to avoid food waste is to only buy what you need and not pick up things “just in case.” Plan your meals as carefully as you can, create a shopping list, and stick to it.
We’re shopping locally again! Visit local markets for fresh, seasonal produce to reduce the carbon footprint of your plate and support the local economy wherever you’re spending the holidays.
Adding more plant-based foods to your seasonal spread is excellent for your health as well as the environment.
We’re not going to tell you to drop meat entirely, but options for ensuring it’s more sustainable include:
Manage food scraps by setting up a temporary compost bin. If your accommodation doesn't offer composting, see if local services or community gardens accept food scraps.
And speaking of leftovers, the holidays are a great time to save money on upcoming grocery trips if you do end up with more than you need. Transform your leftovers into new meals, or portion them for freezing. If you're enjoying the holidays away from home, consider leaving leftovers for your host or offering them to neighbours.
If you’re hosting a holiday party with guests, do what you can to reduce your use of disposable items like plates and cutlery. At least ensure you use recyclable options if they’re a must, but if you're an annual host, why not treat yourself to some pieces you can use every year?
Decorations are a vital part of creating a festive ambience, but using them doesn't have to come at the expense of the environment.
Pinecones, evergreen branches, holly and berries are all available in nature, cost nothing, look beautiful, and are all compostable after use. What's more, you'll have a lot of fun foraging for these pieces and then making your own decorations. Things like dried oranges and cinnamon sticks also look (and taste!) great while remaining sustainable.
If you opt for fairy lights, LED versions consume significantly less energy than incandescent bulbs. Remember to turn them off when you go out or at bedtime, too.
Will you be buying new festive ornaments this year? If so, opt for high-quality and durable pieces that will last for years. Ornaments made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced wood, for example, not only look great but will also minimise your environmental impact.
For those of you who will celebrate Christmas and plan to have a tree, one of your most significant annual considerations is likely to be around the most sustainable approach.
If you love a festive candle, choose those made from natural waxes like soy or beeswax, which burn cleaner than other materials commonly used to make them, such as paraffin wax.
While the festive season is the ideal time to implement new sustainable practices, the longer-term benefits of integrating them into your everyday life can be even more significant.
Ask yourself these three questions before you buy anything:
Keep the “three Rs” at the forefront of your mind; they’re the foundation of sustainable living.
Remember to turn off lights, unplug appliances when not in use, and be mindful of your use of heating and cooling systems.
In addition, be mindful of your water use, especially in regions where water is scarce.
Wherever you’re living or anywhere you spend time, aim to support and spend your money with local businesses that prioritise environmental responsibility.
As an expat, you’re uniquely positioned to be an ambassador for sustainable living. Your diverse experience and unique global perspective allow you to share best practices and inspire positive change in your loved ones and your broader community, wherever you live, spend the holidays, or travel to during your expat life.
Make conscious choices this holiday season to enhance your celebrations and connections and help build a more sustainable, happier, and healthier future for everyone.