The Mindful Path – Earth Gifts | Dec. 3, 2025

December offers a time of reflection, rest and connection. Whether you approach the month with joy or dread, we can all make small changes that can create a big difference in making our celebrations more sustainable. Here are six tips to “green-up” your winter break.

Gift with Intention – Give Memories not Things

Approximately 50% of Americans report they received at least one unwanted gift last December. With all this dissatisfaction, you might consider giving practical and helpful gifts like museum memberships, pet walking services, travel experiences, or cleaning services. In general, consider lessening your environmental impact by giving homemade, re-gifted, local, personalized photo books and second-hand thrift gifts.

Cards

It is estimated that over 1 billion cards are thrown away annually in the US. To curb the avalanche of waste, you might consider sending e-cards, plant-able cards, repurpose cards from last year or cards crafted from recycled paper. Some have replaced cards with calls. If sending cards feels like a tradition you want to keep, offset that with getting creative with your gift wrapping.

That’s a Wrap

In the U.S. millions of pounds of wrapping paper are sent to landfills annually, often decomposing slowly. By purchasing recycled paper and then reusing or recycling the paper, you can make a huge impact on waste. You might consider using gift bags that can be used again and again.

Food

It is estimated that food waste increases 25% in December. Careful planning and limiting over buying will help the environment and your budget. Composting can be a great way to curb waste. Check out compost-colorado.com for more information or if an option, begin backyard composting. A composter could be a wonderful holiday gift. You can infuse health and sustainability into your life by purchasing local, organic food. Adding more plant-based meals will also have a huge, positive impact. Why not begin having Meatless Mondays in December? For more information visit: www.mondaycampaigns.org

The Awe of Lights

LED Christmas lights are more sustainable because they are significantly more energy- efficient, lasting up to 25 times longer and using 80-90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs. This reduced energy consumption lowers your electricity bill and decreases the carbon footprint associated with energy production, while their longevity means fewer replacements are needed, which also reduces waste.

Enjoy Time Together

Overall, nothing is more important during the holidays than the people we spend it with. Consider how you can support people in our community to combat loneliness. Enjoy the Colorado sun with some wonderful walks in nature and quality time with family, friends, and chosen family. Pause, reflect and rest.

Photo credit: Caleb Wright.