How much additional waste is created during the holiday season?

If you’ve ever wondered about sustainability during the holidays, you might be interested in knowing how much waste we create during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve.

A survey found that “6 in 10 Americans waste more during the holiday season,” and respondents average “43% more waste during the festive season.” The study goes on to conclude that “54% said feeling wasteful during the holidays makes [respondents] less excited for the festivities,” while “65% are working to celebrate in a more sustainable way.” You may or may not be thinking about sustainability during the holidays, but it’s something I’ve been practicing for years as a broke college student, and since then, I’ve amassed quite a toolkit for living (and giving) more sustainably.

You get creative when you don’t have the funds to splurge on gifts, but still want to participate in all the giving.

Avoid breaking your bank during the holidays, and if you want to give with sustainability in mind, I have the perfect swaps for you and your loved ones.

5 Sustainable Swaps for Simple Living and a Low-Waste Holiday:

Swedish Dishcloths

My favorite swap this year that keeps on giving are reusable and compostable dishcloths!

Cleaning often brings me joy, but the waste I create makes me less excited to clean, much like the feelings holiday waste might elicit for some people. Making the switch to these dishcloths has reduced my cleaning waste drastically, while making cleaning simpler and more efficient. Plus, the prints spark all kinds of joy and cheer! I especially love this one that I found on a whim at a small shop in Oakland, but I’m also eyeing this one and this one. Both are perfect ways to add a pop of color to brighten up your cleaning days.

According to Now Designs, one cloth “replaces 17 paper towel rolls.” If you or a friend is concerned about waste, sustainability, and cost, then consider gifting some Swedish dishcloths.

This post contains affiliate links and non-affiliate links—both from big box stores and small-local businesses—at no extra cost to you. For more information, view my disclosure policy here. Thank you for your support!

Fabric Sponges

Clean up after your holiday meals with this sustainable swap for the kitchen.

Sponges are another household item whose lifespan and waste make me cringe. Recently, I decided to try fabric sponges from Marley’s Monsters to see if I could cut back on waste while adding a bit of personality to my everyday household tools. The sponges are almost 100% compostable or recyclable, and they’re extremely soft and plush which makes the dishwashing process a more enjoyable experience. Marley’s Monsters also have a range of prints that make you smile.

For you or the friend who loves to cook (or eat), but hates washing the dishes, give the gift of fabric sponges. Your friends with a keen eye for details will appreciate the gift and gesture.

Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

My favorite and most recent bathroom swap is perfect for anyone who thinks hair care is self-care.

I love creating a self-care kit during the holidays for my loved ones and friends. A younger me gifted on-the-go self-care kits with mini hand sanitizers, hand lotion, and body wash, but since I don’t shop those holiday sales anymore, I’ve had to rethink my go-to bathroom self-care gifts. Thankfully, since I’ve made the switch to shampoo and conditioner bars myself, I have the perfect sustainable swap to create a self-care kit that says, “Relax!” while reducing plastic waste.

So far, I’ve only tried this 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner Bar, but I absolutely love it. Hair care has never been simpler since making the switch from liquid to bar shampoo and conditioner, plus I feel better about decreasing my consumer waste. Gift that feeling to yourself and your loved ones this year, friends.

DIY Bath Salts

Before you buy a new batch of bath bombs, think about switching to bath salts. If you want to create a little something special on a budget, add DIY bath salts to your self-care gifts, even if that gift is just for you.

Ingredients:

• Grey Salt or Pink Salt

• Epsom Salt (I like using this brand of epsom salt.)

• Optional: *Essential Oils (I use this brand and combination most often.)

Directions:

• Mix ingredients together in a non-metal bowl using a wooden spoon that you don’t use for cooking, if you’re using essential oils.

• Or, mix the ingredients in your reusable glass container and shake.

I recommend experimenting with ratios and different scent combinations before giving to friends and family. Always be mindful of allergies and skin sensitivities, too!

Click here for more DIY recipes and essential oil combinations.

*Disclaimer: Essential oils can be toxic to humans and pets if not diluted properly. Always start with less and if you have concerns about using essential oils, talk to your doctor.

Safety Razor

Complete the bathroom self-care kit with a shaving swap!

My boyfriend gave me this safety razor in 2015, along with a pack of replacement razors, and shaving has been smooth sailing ever since. While a safety razor is a bit of a splurge upfront, it’s a worthwhile investment long-term. We’re still going through that pack of 100 which means we waste less and we spend less compared to using disposable razors.

If you have the extra budget for holiday gifts, give yourself or your loved ones an essential—and more sustainable—shaving tool.

Regardless of what swaps you make yourself, or give to others, we can all be a little more intentional this season—with our spending, giving, and celebrating.

It’s never too much to remind ourselves that living well is about how we choose to spend our time and how we connect with each other, not just the material things we exchange during the holidays. If you decide to give this season, ensure you’re giving from a full(er) cup, too.

For simple self-care activities to ease you through the holidays, join us on Patreon at the Homies or Co-Creators tiers to receive a self-care calendar for the remainder of November. You can also join at the Buddies level and receive a calendar to fill-in with your own self-care practices, complete with a few Simple Self-Care Questions to get you started.

I love my Patreon community and I’m so excited for all that we’re creating together. If you’re already a patron, I appreciate you!

Remember, friends, give sustainably this season. Live well, always.

Q: What’s your favorite sustainable swap?

Shop for sustainable swaps + gift ideas here:

• Swedish Dishcloths: Blue | Orange

• Fabric Sponges from Marley’s Monsters

• Bath Salts: Grey Salt | Pink Salt | Epsom Salt | My Favorite Essential Oils

• Safety Razor and Replacement Blades

This post goes well with:

Things I Don’t Buy Anymore
Minimalism: Essential vs. Excess

If cheer is hard to find this season, read:

Grief During the Holidays
Mental Wellness During the Holidays