With the impact of climate change being felt, having an eco-friendly Christmas can contribute to mitigating it. While fun and festive, the holidays are also associated with increased general waste. By being mindful, you and your family can also reduce your holiday footprint this Christmas.

 

7 Tips for a Sustainable Christmas

You’ll be surprised with how much positive impact small choices can make during the holidays. Here are some tips that you can follow for a more eco-friendly Christmas.

 

1. Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping

Traditional wrapping paper, ribbons, and bows contribute to yearly holiday waste. Every year, people in the U.S. use 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper, most of which comes from the holidays.

To make your holidays more sustainable, and if your loved ones don’t mind, you can always give your gift without any wrapping.

If you must, however, you can use gift-wrapping alternatives. You can try out using recycled brown or kraft holiday gift wrappers. You can also use fabric wraps like beeswax wraps or the Japanese Furoshiki, which the receiver can reuse.

For design, instead of a bow, use natural decorations. Instead of plastic bows and ribbons, you can use dried flowers, pinecones, or leaves to spruce up your gift.

 

2. Sustainable Gifts

For an eco-friendly holiday, you can give out sustainable gifts that the receiver can appreciate. These goods may be material, such as environment-friendly items like reusable water bottles, sustainable clothing, or organic makeup and skincare. Your sustainable gift may also be DIY, like homemade candles, baked goods, and personalized craft items.

Alternatively, instead of giving away material items, you can also gift your loved ones unforgettable experiences. Why not give them tickets to a fun event, take them to exciting workshops, or treat them to a fun family outing?

 

3. Green Christmas Trees

Christmas isn’t complete without a tree. For an eco-friendly Christmas, using an artificial Christmas tree or a real one is okay.

When getting an artificial Christmas tree, try to look for a high-quality one. Make sure you will be able to use the tree for a minimum of 10 years.

If you can’t find that, you should instead try to buy a real tree. Make sure to get one that is grown sustainably and is FSC-certified. Alternatively, if there is a rental service near you, one of the best green ideas for Christmas is to rent a tree and return it after the holiday season so it can be replanted.

When you choose a real tree for the holidays, you should also consider how to properly dispose of your real tree after the holiday season ends. If it is potted, consider replanting it. You can also recycle your tree by mulching or turning it into wood chips.

 

4. Reducing Holiday Décor Waste

The holidays are a time of fun parties and family gatherings. To make things look more festive, many decorate their homes with single-use holiday decor, such as plastic tinsel and artificial Christmas wreaths.

Did you know that households generate 30% more waste during the holidays? This includes waste from single-use decorations.

If you want to reduce your waste and be more eco-friendly for the holiday, use more sustainable items. You can make DIY ornaments out of natural or repurposed materials. You may also buy reusable, high-quality Christmas decor lasting several years.

 

5. Mindful Holiday Lighting

Other than general waste, the holiday season also impacts energy consumption worldwide. In the U.S. alone, people consume 6.63 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity to light up decor for the holiday.

To mitigate the possible impact of additional energy consumption, you can be mindful of using holiday lights.

One change you can make is using the more eco-friendly LED instead of traditional Christmas lights. You can also shorten your use of lights. Instead of using them all night, you can set timers to turn off the lights after a few hours. You may also get creative with lighting alternatives indoors, such as using candlelight for a cozier and more energy-efficient option.

 

6. Sustainable Christmas Cards

Sending Christmas cards is a great way to show appreciation for friends and loved ones during the holiday season. However, using traditional cards can negatively affect the environment as many are non-recyclable. Since glitter and foil can’t be recycled, carts decorated with those materials are also non-recyclable.

You can still send Christmas cards for an eco-friendly Christmas, but you must be mindful of your choices. You can send paper cards made from recycled materials. Plantable cards are also available, including seeds that the receiver can plant. Alternatively, you can send digital cards that don’t generate additional holiday waste.

 

7. Minimizing Christmas Food Waste

What’s a Christmas season without a holiday feast? While most associate Christmas with parties and family gatherings, food is always involved. Unfortunately, that also means more food waste generated during the holidays.

To minimize food waste during the Christmas season, strategic planning is your friend. First, you must plan your feast based on how many people you expect. This will help you set the amount of food you need to prepare, minimizing excess food.

Additionally, buying ingredients and serving food also presents the opportunity to reduce general waste. When grocery shopping, try to buy organic and look for more sustainable packaging. Instead of using disposable utensils and plates during the feast, bring out your reusable serving items.

If you still have leftovers, don’t dispose of them immediately. You can store them properly in the fridge and reheat them later on to consume. Alternatively, you can also help other people by donating leftovers to shelters.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Are Some Eco-Friendly Stocking Stuffer Ideas?

You can try to look for small but sustainable and reusable items to add to your family’s stockings. Some items you can put include valuable items, like bamboo toothbrushes or metal straws. You can also give baked treats like small cookies as stocking stuffers.

 

Is It Possible to Have a Zero-Waste Christmas?

Given what many are used to during the holidays, it may seem impossible to have a zero-waste holiday. However, while it would be highly challenging, with proper planning, it is possible.

 

How Can You Get Family Involved for a Green Christmas?

Start eco-friendly traditions with your family, such as creating DIY and sustainable decorations or using a reusable advent calendar for your kids.

 

A More Mindful Holiday

Consider having a more eco-friendly Christmas as a holiday gift for Mother Earth. Festive holidays don’t always have to involve a large amount of waste. The task can seem daunting, but being mindful of your choices this holiday season can positively change the environment.

 

RELATED ARTICLES:

• 10 Thanksgiving Activities For The Community

• 9 Fun Labor Day Activities For Kids

• 4 Easy And Delicious 4th Of July Dessert Recipes

A lot of HOA myths made up about living in planned communities are usually misinformed. Sometimes, myths about homeowners associations can be far from the truth and create a negative image in people’s minds.

 

HOA Myths and Facts to Know About

Misconceptions about HOA living run rampant, mostly among people who have yet to experience HOA living. Here are some common HOA myths and the truth behind them:

 

Myth: HOAs Collect Many Hidden Fees

Many assume that being bound to a homeowners association means that residents always pay hidden fees.

HOAs do collect dues and assessments. These fund the community’s day-to-day operations or emergency maintenance projects. They help carry out the HOA’s responsibilities of maintaining common areas and creating funds for repairs and improvements.

However, all of the fees and assessments that the HOA collects are known by its members. Regular dues are outlined in the HOA’s governing documents that homeowners are provided before signing their property. Meanwhile, assessments must be formally levied before they are collected so homeowners are notified about them and what the special assessments are allocated for.

 

Myth: HOA Fees are Unnecessary

Many homeowners believe that HOA dues and fees are unnecessary. Another HOA myth is that these dues only put an unneeded burden on homeowners. However, these fees cover many community expenses that also benefit residents.

Essentially, HOA fees cover the association’s day-to-day operations. Collected funds go to the HOA’s budget, which is used for the maintenance of common areas and amenities, regular repairs, and other planned improvements in the community.

Additionally, HOA dues usually also cover reserve funds. These funds are used to cover large-scale emergency maintenance or repairs.

By collecting funds, the HOA can provide homeowners services that benefit all community members.

 

Myth: HOAs Discriminate

Many think that because people live in a planned community, their homeowners association discriminates. However, HOAs are not allowed to do so.

All HOAs are bound to and governed by the Fair Housing Act and regulations stipulated in state and federal legislation. These laws prohibit discrimination for residents based on their race, religion, sex, country of origin, disabilities, or family status.

HOAs exist not only to help manage the community but also to create harmony and inclusivity among residents. They are responsible for doing what is good for the entire community, including creating a harmonious environment where everyone respects each other.

 

Myth: HOA Rules are too Strict

Many people are dissuaded from living in homes with HOAs because they believe joining an association would mean following rules that are too strict.

Yes, homeowners associations have rules in place, but they are not as stringent as many think. HOA rules are usually created to encourage an excellent community living experience. Many rules are agreed upon and in place to promote harmony and prevent issues between neighbors.

Also, HOA rules guide residents when using common spaces, such as clubhouses, activity centers, and meeting areas. It also gives each community member equal opportunities to meet and socialize.

 

Myth: Normal HOA Residents are Powerless in Decision Making

Since HOAs have a board of directors, many people outside of such associations think that the power only rests with the board of directors.

In reality, the community has a large say regarding decision-making in the HOA. Members of the community can freely join and voice their opinions in HOA meetings and join committees to help out the community.

An HOA is in place to help neighbors coexist in a planned community, and the board remains open for resident involvement. Homeowners are never powerless in a HOA, which is essentially community-run. They have the power to influence any decision that the HOA makes.

 

Myth: HOA Boards Make Decisions in Private

Another one of the many myths of HOAs is that board members prefer to make community-related decisions in private. This is far from the truth, as any meeting done in secret is not allowed.

The board of directors manages the community, but it also must be transparent to residents regarding decision-making. This is why any HOA meetings should be accessible to all association members, and every homeowner needs to be notified about all meetings organized by the HOA.

 

Myth: All HOA Communities are the Same

There is already an established image in many people’s minds about a planned community with an HOA. Many believe that they all have the same feel to it.

In truth, all HOAs are different. One community may fit a younger professional’s lifestyle, while others may be better for a different demographic.

When a potential property buyer is looking into purchasing homes in an HOA community, it would be best for them to first research and see if the “personality” of the HOA can also fit their needs.

 

Myth: HOA Rules are Set in Stone

Many believe that once an HOA is established, the rules it starts with will be implemented until the association is dissolved. However, contrary to popular belief, HOA rules can be changed.

When reviewing CC&Rs and bylaws, a homeowner may find many years-old regulations that do not make sense in the current state of the community. When this is the case, the homeowner has the right to bring this issue to the attention of the board and the HOA to this rule and propose an amendment.

The process involved in amending governing documents may vary per HOA. Usually, it involves creating a proposal, scheduling a meeting with the entire HOA, having a vote, and implementing the changes if approved.

 

The Truth About Living in a HOA Community

People who have yet to experience living in an HOA neighborhood tend to create a skewed image of such communities with myths and fabrications. Although, in reality, HOAs are in place to create harmony among its residents and preserve peace.

Looking to enhance the quality of living in your HOA community with effective management? Condo Manager offers a top-of-the-line community association management platform for self-managed associations and HOA management companies. Reach us online or call us today at (800) 626-1267 to learn more!

 

RELATED ARTICLES

• HOA Is In Debt: How Does This Affect Homeowners?
• What Happens If You Don’t Pay HOA Fines
• Can Homeowners Get Speeding Tickets In HOAs?