The most magical time of the year is upon us. Sparkling holiday lights flicker in the distance, the smell of fresh pine fills the air and we all count down the days to Christmas. Along with the holidays comes heaps of trash including wrapping paper, delivery packages and gift boxes.

According to CDC.com, the amount of waste increases 25% between the dates of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Luckily, we can mindfully reduce waste with a few steps and cooperation by everyone! Follow these easy sustainability steps to help the environment during the holidays.

Before even starting to wrap presents, you need to shop for gifts. The best and easiest way of achieving this is by shopping online. By doing so, you save gas, plastic and paper bags, among many other things. One key goal is to buy in bulk, usually foods and beverages, in order to avoid extra packing and shipping costs. At the grocery store, shop with reusable bags to carry home purchases. Use washable utensils, plates, glasses and prepare more meals at home instead of eating from take-out packaging.

Christmas lights are hung all around the valley. Use energy-efficient and durable materials to decorate your trees and households. There are many products that use energy efficient LED lights. These bulbs are commonly found in stores like Walmart and Target or can be easily purchased through Amazon. By using these light bulbs you are not only using 70% less energy than traditional Christmas lights, but they are more vibrant, eco-friendly and most conveniently, easy to store. These lights are also designed to be more durable, lasting around ten times longer. Overall, this is a great purchase that will save both your wallet and the environment.

Materials such as wrapping paper, ribbon and bells are a commonly found filling up trash cans nationwide after Christmas day. What a waste! Instead of buying and using new gift wrap, try thinking outside of the box. Find your inner creative self and try to reuse household items to wrap those gifts. Some great examples would be using old maps, comic strips, newspaper or if you need a box, reusable baking tins. Not only will this save paper wrapping and trash on your living room floor, but it also adds a unique personal touch! You can even top the present off with a eco-friendly gift cards made from wood, recycled PVC, or even make your own personal homemade card.

To conclude, not all gifts have to be bought. Think beyond what is on the shelves at the mall. Hundreds of small local shops, booths, or online sites are constantly producing exclusive, sensational gifts. Even attend the Xavier holiday sales at the Christmas market. Reach into your “gift drawer” full of items never opened or found use for. “Regifting” is totally acceptable! And as for Christmas day, control your excitement while opening up gifts and take a couple seconds to save salvageable gift wrapping to be used next year. Happy Holidays!