Celebrating the Holidays Sustainably

As we celebrate the holiday season, it is important to recognize the environmental impact of this festive time of year. From excess packaging to increased energy consumption, the holidays can generate up to 25% more waste than any other time of the year. That’s approximately 1 million extra tons of trash per week in the U.S. alone!

At Custodio & Dubey, we’re committed to protecting the planet and advocating for a sustainable future. This season, we invite you to join us in making a positive impact. Here are some simple ways to reduce waste and celebrate the holidays more sustainably.

Gift Smarter

• Opt for experiences instead of physical items: concert tickets, memberships, and tickets to sports events like the LA Kings hockey games!
• Choose gifts made from sustainable materials or support local artisans to reduce carbon emissions.
• Avoid excessive packaging. According to the Clean Air Partnership, about 8,000 tons of wrapping paper is used to wrap gifts each year. That’s the equivalent of about 50,000 trees!
• Think quality over quantity, and give gifts that will not likely be returned. According to the Environmental Capital Group, about 5.8 million pounds of returned items end up in landfills every year.
• Consider swapping out your family holiday card for an e-card!

Decorate With Care

• Swap out single use decorations for ones that will last for years. If buying a plastic Christmas tree, plan on utilizing it for at least 5-10 years as they contain PCV which is a toxic carcinogen that does not break down easily.
• Use LED holiday lights—they use up to 95% less energy and last significantly longer.
• Consider eco-friendly décor like pinecones, dried oranges, or live plants.

By making even small changes, we can collectively reduce the environmental impact of the holiday season while still embracing its joy and magic.

From all of us at Custodio & Dubey, we wish you a holiday season filled with love, laughter, and sustainability. Together, we can protect the planet for generations to come.

Happy Holidays!