Celebrate Sustainably: 5 Eco-Friendly Tips for the Holidays

The holidays are a time for giving, gathering, and celebrating—but they can also come with excess waste, energy use, and stress. This year, why not turn the tide and embrace a more sustainable, eco-friendly holiday season? With just a few thoughtful changes, you can reduce your environmental footprint while still enjoying the festive spirit. From energy-saving tips to sustainable gifting, here are five ideas to help you go green this holiday season, without adding extra work to your busy schedule.

Holiday lights bring the magic of the season, but traditional incandescent bulbs consume a lot of energy. Upgrade to LED lights, which use up to 80% less energy and last significantly longer—saving both money and power. For outdoor displays, consider solar-powered lights to harness renewable energy, reducing your carbon footprint while keeping your home festive.

Set your LED lights on a timer to save even more energy by automatically turning them off when everyone’s asleep. Brightening up your home doesn't have to come at the planet’s expense when you choose energy-efficient options.

Instead of buying rolls of new wrapping paper that will end up in the trash, think outside the (gift) box. Reusable fabric wraps, old maps, or even last year’s gift bags can serve as beautiful, personalized wrapping. Upcycling materials like scrap fabric, brown paper bags, or even comic book pages can add a unique touch to your gifts. Decorate with twine, sprigs of greenery, or reusable ribbon for a handmade feel.

Additionally, take advantage of ecobee’s sustainable packaging. Our products are shipped in 100% recyclable packaging made from renewable resources. After you unwrap your ecobee Smart Thermostat, consider using the box as a planter for herbs or small plants. This practical repurposing not only reduces waste but also adds a bit of greenery to your home.

One of the best ways to cut down on waste is to give gifts that create memories instead of clutter. Experience-based gifts—like cooking classes, concert tickets, or museum memberships—offer lasting value without the need for packaging.

For the travel enthusiasts in your life, consider gifting experiences that cater to their adventurous spirit. How about a hot air balloon ride to take in stunning views, or a guided city tour that explores hidden gems? Cooking classes focused on local cuisine can also provide a fun and immersive way for them to connect with a new culture.

For those who love to explore the great outdoors, think about unique experiences like zip-lining through lush canopies, or a guided hiking trip in a national park. A weekend retreat at a charming bed-and-breakfast can also be a wonderful way to escape and recharge.

Planning to travel this holiday season? Don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty house! ecobee’s Smart Thermostat uses built-in occupancy sensors and your smartphone’s location to automatically detect when you’re not at home. When the thermostat senses no activity, it switches to Away Mode, reducing energy consumption until someone returns. The Smart Home & Away feature takes this a step further by detecting unexpected movement, adjusting the temperature if someone comes home early.

You can also remotely control your thermostat via the app, ensuring your home is cozy when you return—all while conserving energy while you're gone. This simple action not only cuts energy costs but also reduces greenhouse gas emissions, making your holiday season both comfortable and eco-friendly.

Holiday feasts are a wonderful tradition, but they can also lead to significant food waste. By planning your meals carefully and preparing only what you need, you can help reduce the amount of food that ends up in the trash. Repurpose leftovers into new dishes, like soups or sandwiches, or make a plan to share extras with friends and neighbors.

Composting is another great way to ensure that any unavoidable waste doesn’t end up in a landfill. With some mindful planning, you can enjoy delicious meals while keeping food waste to a minimum.

Make the Season Bright and Sustainable

This holiday season, let’s embrace the spirit of giving by making choices that benefit both our loved ones and the planet. By adopting these sustainable practices, you not only reduce waste and conserve energy but also inspire others to follow suit. With each small change—whether it’s wrapping gifts in reusable fabric or shopping locally—you contribute to a collective effort towards a greener future. Celebrate the joy of the season with mindful choices that create lasting memories while protecting the environment for generations to come. Happy holidays!