10 Easy Ways to Have a Sustainable Holiday, According to Experts

The holiday season, spanning from Thanksgiving to year-end celebrations, is notorious for generating excessive waste. Ryan Zimmerman, Director of Communications & Partnerships at Grove Collaborative — the world’s first plastic-neutral retailer — shares practical tips and product recommendations to help consumers embrace a more eco-conscious holiday while minimizing waste.

Key Expert Insight: Mindful Consumerism

Zimmerman emphasizes the importance of intentional purchasing. "Consumerism leads to waste," he warns. Reducing the amount and type of products bought, and favoring sustainable alternatives, is the best way to curtail holiday plastic pollution.

1. Skip Traditional Wrapping Paper

Use reusable gift wraps such as Bee’s Wrap made from certified organic cotton or repurpose old newspapers, grocery bags, and pillow cases. Compostable wrapping paper that dissolves in water is another zero-waste option.

2. Opt for Energy-Efficient LED Lights

Replace incandescent holiday lights with LED string lights. LEDs consume less energy, last longer, and contain no toxic chemicals, reducing both your carbon footprint and toxic waste.

3. Give Sustainable Host Gifts

Thoughtful gifts such as natural fiber dish towels (e.g., Neighborgoods set of 2) make for eco-friendly hostess gifts that support waste reduction and are functional.

4. Use Leak-Proof Glass Storage Containers

Switch from plastic food storage to reusable, non-toxic glass containers like Rubbermaid Brilliance sets. These are oven-safe, long-lasting, and help prevent chemical leaching and microplastic contamination.

5. Swap Disposable Tableware

Utilize reusable ceramic dishware, cloth napkins (e.g., West Elm’s 100% linen napkins), and natural fiber tablecloths instead of disposable alternatives, reducing single-use waste massively during gatherings.

6. Choose Safer, Sustainable Cleaning Products

Replace conventional cleaners with products made from bio-based ingredients packaged in recyclable materials. Grove Collaborative’s multi-purpose cleaner is an example, designed for intensively messy holiday clean-ups.

7. Cook with Chemical-Free Cookware

Avoid cookware coated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) linked to health risks. Ceramic cookware sets like Caraway’s offer healthier cooking surfaces without toxic chemical exposure.

8. Select Compostable Single-Use Plates When Needed

If hosting capacity is limited, opt for tree-free, heavy-duty compostable plates that break down naturally at home versus plastic disposables that add to landfill waste.

9. Reduce Paper Waste with Bidets and Bamboo Products

Installing a bidet toilet seat attachment (like Tushy Classic 3.0) can dramatically cut paper use. Alternatively, switching to bamboo tissues and toilet paper also reduces environmental impact.

10. Avoid Microplastics with Bamboo Kitchen Tools

Use bamboo cutting boards and cooking utensils to avoid microplastic ingestion and chemical leaching. Bamboo is durable, antibacterial, and gentle on kitchen knives.

Why This Matters

Grove Collaborative curates and endorses nearly 400 brands that meet strict criteria: non-toxic, sustainable, cruelty-free, and effective. Following Zimmerman’s advice promotes healthier homes and a healthier planet with accessible and actionable tips.

Final Thought from Zimmerman

“Think natural materials that come from natural sources and can be returned to the earth… and be more mindful during the holidays.”

Sources:

• Expert interview with Ryan Zimmerman, Grove Collaborative
• Product listings from Grove Collaborative, Amazon, West Elm

By implementing these ten sustainable swaps and strategies, consumers can enjoy a festive, less wasteful holiday season while supporting eco-friendly brands and protecting shared natural resources.

Design Delight Studio curates high-impact, authoritative insights into sustainable and organic product trends, helping conscious consumers and innovative brands stay ahead in a fast-evolving green economy.