Christmas is a busy season. It’s a time for celebration and gift-giving. But with all its hustle and bustle, it could also lead to unnecessary waste. ‘Tis a season when the environmental footprint tends to be huge. From the gifts to the decorations and food, you could easily be overwhelmed and end up with too much of everything.

A study by the National Solid Waste Management Commission reveals that the average waste generated by Filipinos increases from 0.7 to 1.2 kilograms during the Christmas season.  

Fortunately, you can do your part in reducing this number. Stick with mindful choices to make the merriest holiday celebrations while staying kind to the planet — and your finances too!

1. Go for zero-waste Christmas decors

You may be tempted to replace Christmas ornaments every year, but keep in mind that the decors you already have are not for single use. Sure, themes and ideas vary, and you may want a new look for your home this year, but that could lead to unnecessary expenses and clutter.

Follow a conscious approach to using Christmas decors and achieve a minimalist holiday aesthetic.

- Swap. Organize a decor swap with friends or neighbors and enjoy the real spirit of sharing.

- Go natural. Use biodegradable materials like twigs and cones that add a rustic charm to your home.

- Use LED lights. Save up to 80% less energy by using LED lights instead of traditional bulbs.

- Recycle. Paper and fabrics are perfect for DIY projects while adding a personal touch to decorations.

- Reuse. Bring out your old Christmas decors. Mix and match! A dose of creativity can lead to amazing results.

2. Practice sustainable giving

Gifts could also pad up your environmental footprint. Make sure that you are making sustainable choices when it comes to gift-giving.

- Choose sustainable packaging. Gift wraps often end up as trash. Use recycled paper and reusable bags, or get creative with fabric. You better skip glitter-covered gift wraps as they are no longer recyclable.

- Be thoughtful. Don’t give gifts for the sake of gift-giving. Consider the interests of the recipient. Buy a useful present to be sure that it won’t end up as waste.  

3. Mind your food waste

A typical Filipino Noche Buena can cost anywhere from P6,631 to P17,648. Making a conscious choice about how much food you make means less of your money goes to waste.

Plan to make your Noche Buena better for the planet.

- Cook less. Choose dishes that can be made from scratch and local ingredients.

- Don’t forget the leftovers. Put them in reusable food containers. They are very handy whether you are celebrating at home or attending a Christmas party.

- Plan portions. It’s nice to have a feast but this won’t be practical for a small group. Go for small servings and choose foods that can stay edible for days.

4. Be thrifty with your Christmas party outfit

Throwback 90's, Gatsby Glam, Winter Wonderland are all fun office party themes. However, dressing up for the occasion can snowball into a huge expense (and waste). And this happens even outside of the holiday season. Recent data gathered from the Solid Waste Management status report reveals 267,111 tons of textile waste are dumped in landfills each year in the Philippines.

To be sustainable, buying a new outfit for a single occasion should be your last option

- Shop in your closet first. Reuse or upcycle to turn an old outfit into something new.

- Check out the nearest ukay-ukay and you might be pleasantly surprised to find gems that you can wear to your Christmas party.

- Borrow clothing from family and friends or post a “looking for” status on social media to reveal other sources. 

5. Replace material traditions with sustainable practices

It takes conscious effort to have a sustainable holiday. Sometimes, it means rethinking old traditions that create more waste than value. Create a family tradition that can build a positive mindset on personal finance among your loved ones like saving up. In the future, it can be used to pay off debt, start investing, or to support a worthy cause.

Christmas may mean short-term spending for many but it’s best to look beyond the holiday season. Your financial health is a key aspect of sustainability, and you can make Christmas a season to protect and grow your assets.

Reflect on your long-term financial goals by setting up an investment plan that suits your needs. While you are excited in planning your holiday expenses, don’t forget to set up an emergency fund to ensure that you will not just be prepared for annual events but for unexpected ones too.

As much as we Filipinos love Christmas, we must recognize its impact on personal spending and the environment. This year, focus more on the true meaning of the season rather than simply accumulating material stuff. ‘Tis the season of joy and giving—a time spent for your loved ones. But look at the bigger picture, too. No amount of celebration would be justifiable if that meant straining the environment and your finances.

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