Sustainable Tucson (www.sustainabletucson.org) hosted a talk by Grace Vickers who provided numerous tips to reduce and reuse plastic and food waste during the upcoming holidays and celebrations (Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s). This talk was given on October 14 online and the 45 minute video is now available here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PORaPLoPvh8. Grace is a Zero Waste Campaign Associate with US Public Interest Research Group (PIRG).
“Studies show that waste from packaging, gift giving, and holiday meals contributes as much as 25% more trash during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day than any other time of year.”
I liked the suggestions about reusing plastic wrap and bags, and composting or reusing left over food, even Halloween candy and Thanksgiving meals. A good suggestion was to create a Halloween costume with household materials and clothing, without purchasing those single-use plastic ones. Another novel idea was not to buy gifts but to spend time together as a family, or enjoy a nature walk or similar botanical activities.
Happy Holidays, but try to be aware of some of these useful suggestions. As someone who grew up in Hawaii without plastic and commercialism, the sheer amount of plastic wrap is now daunting. When I pick up trash in the neighborhood, it’s almost always plastic wrappers, cups and bottles.
Good luck with reducing this holiday waste in 2025 and beyond.
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