1. Choose Energy-Efficient Holiday Lights

Decorating your home with holiday lights is a beloved tradition, but it can also lead to a spike in electricity usage. Using LED lights can result in up to 80% energy savings over traditional bulbs. Additionally, limit how long your lights stay on each night—using timers or smart plugs can help save energy by automatically turning lights off when you’re not home or when it’s bedtime.

2. Gift Experiences, Not Stuff

While it’s fun to unwrap presents, consider giving the gift of experience instead of material items. Whether tickets to a local event, a cooking class, a hike on one of the great trails in La Crosse, or a gift certificate to a favorite restaurant, experiences are often more meaningful and don’t create the same waste as physical gifts. Plus, they’re often less stressful to shop for!

3. Support Local, Sustainable Businesses

The La Crosse area is home to many locally owned shops and sustainable stores and restaurants that offer handmade goods, locally crafted items, and organic products. By supporting local businesses, you not only reduce the carbon footprint of shipping products across the country, but you also contribute to the local economy.

4. Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Wrapping Materials

Gift wrapping is one of the most wasteful aspects of the holiday season, with millions of pounds of wrapping paper ending up in landfills each year. This year, why not get creative with sustainable wrapping alternatives? Reusable gift bags, vintage maps, or even cloth wraps (like a scarf or tea towel) make for unique and eco-friendly wrapping options. If you do use wrapping paper, make sure it’s recyclable—avoid the shiny, foil-lined types which often can’t be recycled.

5. Choose a Sustainable Holiday Tree

If you’re planning on getting a real Christmas tree, make sure it comes from a local farm to minimize transportation emissions. Many local tree farms in the La Crosse area offer sustainably grown trees, and once the holidays are over, you can compost your tree or recycle it for mulch.

6. Give Back to the Community

The holiday season is a time to show kindness and support those in need. Consider donating to a local food bank, shelter, or nonprofit organization in La Crosse. You could also volunteer your time at one of the many local charities that help our neighbors in need. Giving back is a wonderful way to contribute to your community and make a positive impact on the environment by helping reduce waste and food insecurity.

7. Don’t Forget the Recycling Bin

It’s easy to forget about recycling when you’re caught up in the holiday rush but remember that recycling should still be a priority. Be sure to make sure they’re clean and free from food residue before tossing them in the bin.

8. Shop for Sustainable Gifts

If you are purchasing gifts, look for items that are durable, high-quality, and made to last. Choose products that are made from recycled materials, are energy-efficient, or have minimal packaging. Sustainable gifts can include everything from reusable water bottles and eco-friendly home products to upcycled fashion and handcrafted items from artists in the community.

The holidays in La Crosse are a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. By making small, thoughtful changes, we can ensure that our celebrations have a positive impact on both the community and the environment. With the La Crosse Climate Action Plan guiding us toward a more sustainable future, let’s make this holiday season one that not only brings us closer to our loved ones but also to a healthier planet.

Happy holidays from the team working on the La Crosse Climate Action Plan, and here’s to a greener, more sustainable new year!