The holidays are a time for joy, gathering, and celebration—but they’re also one of the most wasteful times of the year. Between leftover food, unused gifts, piles of wrapping paper, and mountains of packaging, it’s no surprise many of us are looking for ways to enjoy the season while lessening our impact on the planet.
The good news? A new survey on holiday habits shows that Americans are embracing greener traditions. The 2024 Sustainable Holidays Survey report from ALPLA revealed that 61% of people are already taking steps to reduce food waste during their holiday meals. Meanwhile, 60% are choosing locally grown ingredients when preparing festive feasts. The shift toward sustainability proves that small changes—like smarter meal planning and rethinking how we wrap gifts—can add up to a big difference.
Here’s how to celebrate this holiday season in style while being mindful of the environment.
Let’s Talk Holiday Meals: Less Waste, More Thought
Holiday gatherings often revolve around big feasts shared with friends and family. But while a festive table is a hallmark of the season, it’s easy for leftovers and scraps to end up in the trash. This year, more families are taking steps to minimize that waste. A growing number of Americans—61%—are rethinking their approach, finding ways to use food more intentionally and plan meals more carefully.
One of the simplest ways to cut down on waste is to shop with a plan. Preparing a detailed menu and portioning out ingredients ahead of time can prevent overbuying, while leftovers can be repurposed into meals for days to come. Think roasted turkey turned into hearty soups or casseroles, and mashed potatoes transformed into savory breakfast pancakes. Beyond food waste, many Americans are focusing on shopping locally, with 60% prioritizing locally sourced ingredients for their holiday meals. By visiting farmers’ markets or choosing seasonal produce, families can reduce transportation emissions while supporting regional food producers—a win-win for the environment and the community.
Even the scraps that can’t be eaten can find a better home than the trash. Vegetable peels, eggshells, and coffee grounds can be composted, creating rich soil for gardens and houseplants. By thinking ahead, shopping smart, and getting creative, holiday meals can feel just as bountiful while leaving a lighter footprint behind.
Rethinking Gifts: Meaningful, Not Excessive
Gift-giving remains one of the most cherished parts of the holiday season, but it’s also an area where waste tends to pile up. Over-packaged products, forgotten trinkets, and piles of wrapping paper can feel at odds with the joy of giving. Thankfully, many Americans are reimagining this tradition to make it more intentional.
According to the survey, 61% of people consider sustainability when purchasing gifts, showing a growing awareness of the environmental impact of holiday shopping. Excessive packaging is also top of mind, with 64% of respondents actively avoiding products with unnecessary materials. Instead of filling stockings with throwaway items, more families are turning to thoughtful alternatives like handmade, locally crafted, or sustainably sourced goods.
Another trend is the rise of experience-based gifts. 65% of Americans said they prefer giving experiences—like cooking classes, concert tickets, or memberships—over physical items. Experiences not only create memories but also eliminate waste, making them the gift that truly keeps on giving. And while new gifts often take center stage, the survey also found that many people are open to more sustainable exchanges, with 87% of respondents saying they’re willing to embrace regifted or handmade items.
This shift reflects a broader desire for quality over quantity. A beautifully crafted homemade gift, a personalized experience, or a carefully chosen item with minimal packaging can feel just as special—if not more so—than something that will end up gathering dust.
Wrapping Up Waste: A Greener Way to Present Gifts
For many of us, wrapping paper, ribbons, and gift bags are holiday staples. But with so much of it ending up in the trash, Americans are wanting to give it a second life. The survey shows that 87% of respondents are reusing gift bags, ribbons, and wrapping supplies this year, while 60% are recycling wrapping paper that can’t be repurposed.
Reusing wrapping supplies is a simple habit that can make a big difference. Instead of tossing out gift bags or perfectly good ribbons, stash them away for next year’s celebrations. If you’re looking for something new, think beyond traditional paper: Fabric wraps, like scarves or tea towels, are both beautiful and practical, offering a reusable option inspired by the Japanese art of furoshiki. Old maps, newspaper, or brown kraft paper can also be turned into elegant wrapping when paired with twine or sprigs of greenery.
Even gift containers can become part of the present itself. Tins, baskets, and reusable bags make thoughtful alternatives that recipients can enjoy long after the holiday season. By reimagining how we wrap, we can keep the focus on the joy of giving without creating extra waste.
Celebrate with Purpose
The holiday season is a time to gather, share, and reflect on what truly matters. Mmore Americans are finding simple ways to make their celebrations both joyful and sustainable—whether by cooking with intention, rethinking how they give gifts, or wrapping with creativity.
Starting small is the key. This year, try shopping at a local farmers’ market, planning just enough food for your guests, or swapping traditional wrapping paper for something reusable. These small, thoughtful choices don’t take away from the magic of the holidays; instead, they add meaning to the traditions we share.
As more people embrace greener habits, it’s clear that sustainability doesn’t mean giving up the things we love. It simply means celebrating in a way that feels thoughtful, intentional, and kind—to both the people we cherish and the planet we call home.