Dreaming of a green holiday? From decking the halls with natural decorations to gifting presents that don't require wrapping, here are some of our top holiday tips to help you celebrate sustainably this season.

Decorations 

• Use LED lights. LED lights are more efficient and can help cut down on energy use and cost.

• Set outdoor lights on a timer. Use timers for your outdoor lights to ensure they turn off each night. This helps lower energy costs and minimizes light pollution, protecting nocturnal animals and insects. 

• Decorate with nature. Take a stroll outdoors to collect natural decorations like pinecones, evergreen branches, and holly. If you need inspiration check out Brandywine’s Critters or start your collection of natural ornaments.  

• Make edible ornaments. Get creative with edible decorations by making popcorn and cranberry garlands or using dried citrus and cinnamon sticks for a fragrant and festive touch. When the holidays are done, birds and other critters would love to munch the leftover popcorn.  

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Cooking  

• Buy local and seasonal foods. Support local farmers by shopping at farm stands and farmers' markets for fresh, seasonal produce. This not only helps reduce the carbon footprint of your meals but also supports your community’s economy. 

• Plan your menu. Focus on crowd-pleasing dishes that everyone enjoys and avoid over-preparing. This way, you can minimize food waste and ensure nothing goes to waste. 

• Stick to the list! Resist the temptation of holiday impulse buys! Stay focused on your list to avoid purchasing excess food that may end up going unused. 

• Make the most of leftovers. Encourage guests to bring their own containers for leftovers, so everyone can take home a doggy bag and enjoy the meals again, reducing food waste. 

• Coordinate with the host. Before attending a party, ask the host if there’s anything specific you can bring. This helps avoid duplication of dishes and ensures a more balanced spread. 

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Shopping and Gift Giving 

• Give experiences or subscriptions. Consider gifting museum memberships, concert tickets, or subscriptions to streaming services or gyms—thoughtful options that don’t require wrapping. The Brandywine Museum of Art offers digital membership cards that can be sent directly to the recipient, which includes access to the Museum as well as to our members-only preserves.  

• Support local. Shop for handmade or locally sourced gifts to reduce carbon emissions and support local artisans, while giving unique, well-crafted items. 

• Choose sustainable and ethical gifts. Look for products made from recycled materials or those with sustainability certifications like B Corp or Fair Trade. Researching certifications ensures your gifts align with your values. 

• Buy second hand. Find one-of-a-kind treasures at thrift stores or antique shops. Curate a themed basket (like baking or gardening) with vintage finds for a personal touch. 

• DIY gifts. Homemade gifts are a meaningful and eco-friendly option. Whether it’s knitting a scarf, baking treats, or framing sentimental photos. DIY gifts add a personal, creative touch to the holidays. 

• Make a list and check it twice. Ask your friends and family for wish lists to ensure you’re buying items that will be loved and used, preventing waste and returns. Avoid impulse purchases by planning your gifts in advance. 

• Don’t just shop for deals. Shop thoughtfully, not just for discounts. Focus on finding quality items at the best price, rather than buying something simply because it's on sale. 

• Set price limits. Prevent overspending and overconsumption by setting a budget and prioritizing meaningful, quality gifts over quantity. 

• Re-gift. Re-gifting can be just as thoughtful as buying new, especially if you know the item will be appreciated and used.  

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Wrapping   

• Wrap with Recycled or Repurposed Materials. Choose recyclable wrapping paper, or better yet, repurpose old newspapers, magazines, paper bags, or even calendar pages. You can easily decorate brown paper or paper bags for a customized, sustainable look. Avoid wrapping paper with glitter or foil as these can’t be recycled. 

• Use gift bags instead. Skip traditional wrapping and use gift bags, which are not only quick and easy but can be reused year after year, making them an eco-friendly choice. 

• Get Creative with Reusable Materials. Think outside the box and wrap your gifts in fabric (like scarves or tea towels) or use reusable containers like tins and baskets. These materials can be repurposed long after the gift has been opened. 

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Festive Fashion 

• Shop Your Closet. Embrace the festive spirit without the need for something new. Revisit your wardrobe and restyle your favorite holiday sweater or mix and match pieces you already own to create a fresh look. 

• Explore Thrift Stores. Keep an eye out for unique, budget-friendly holiday sweaters at your local thrift shops. Start your search early in the season to find one-of-a-kind pieces with character. 

• Rent an outfit. For special events that call for a new look, consider renting an outfit instead of buying one. Clothing rental services offer a sustainable and affordable way to wear something fabulous for the occasion without the long-term commitment.