Celebrating with Purpose

As the leaves begin to turn, families are settling into the fall atmosphere.  Between home-cooked meals, football Sundays, and “school days,” we've all had a chance to get back into the swing of things this season. As the days get shorter, time seems to go by quicker and soon enough we'll be thinking about the grand ‘ol holiday season. This year, we encourage you to ask…

“Why do we always throw away so much after the holidays?”

Boxes of decorations, plastic packaging, piles of wrapping paper - one thing is true. The holidays, as joyful as they were, may come with a cost far beyond the family budget.

May your question spark a conversation, and that conversation turn into a decision…

This year, our family will do things differently.

You don’t have to aim for perfection, just progress - a more thoughtful, less wasteful holiday season.

Halloween and Día de los Muertos: Simple Swaps, Big Impact

Let’s start with Halloween and Día de los Muertos.

Instead of buying new Halloween costumes, you can get creative. May you turn last year’s witch outfit into a forest fairy using secondhand fabric and leftover ribbon. Perhaps you can create a knight’s costume from cardboard and duct tape. Costumes can become a fun family project, not just something to be tossed after one night.

Pumpkin carving remains a favorite tradition, but this time, roast the seeds and compost the rest. Pick your favorite seasonings whether it be garlic parmesan, barbecue, or keep it classic with a dash of salt to create a pumpkin seed tasting board surrounded by your family’s favorite snacks. Decorate your pumpkins wisely and remember painted and glittery pumpkins shouldn’t be composted.

Decorations can be homemade. Paper bats and papel picado can be made like paper hearts during Valentine’s season and later recycled if not reused. Dried corn stalks from your local farm or market make lovely porch decorations. Upcycled jars can be turned into table lanterns for your altar to light the way home.  Flowers, like marigolds, can be dried and used for other decorations later on.  No plastic. No glitter. Just simple, seasonal charm.

Looking for a place to compost your pumpkins and corn stalks?  Learn more about our upcoming Pumpkin Smash event here!

Thanksgiving: Rethinking the Table

Thanksgiving brings a deeper look at food waste. Many of us find we’re cooking for a small army, only to throw out uneaten sides days later. This time, may you plan your meal with intention - fewer dishes, smaller portions, and a focus on what the family truly enjoys.

Leftovers can be repurposed. The turkey can be used for Saturday’s turkey noodle soup, vegetables can be turned into frittatas, and anything can be frozen. Remind your loved ones to bring their reusable containers to take home extras. Use real plates, and cloth napkins can be used for extra elegance. As for the table, decorate with natural elements like leaves, pinecones, and candles in reused glass jars.

For a thoughtful touch, have each family member write one small thing they are thankful for on a slip of paper to be kept in a jar. Each year, repeat the tradition until you have years of heartfelt memories that feels more lasting than any store-bought centerpiece.

Did you know? We offer reusable serviceware rentals for groups of up to 200 people.  Learn more here!

Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa: Meaning Over Material

Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa may be the biggest challenge, and the biggest opportunity.

Consider setting a family gift limit and focus on thoughtful giving. Make a point to shop at one of our many local craft fairs or take the time to craft your own masterpiece that a loved one can enjoy. Gift experiences like museum passes and homemade dinner coupons. Wrap your gifts with fabric bags, newspaper, and reusable boxes.

Take a meaningful approach to decorating your Christmas tree. Choose a few heirloom ornaments, create popcorn garlands, and use string lights already on hand. Or, if you celebrate Kwanzaa, may you decorate your Mkeka with extra special care by using natural fruit and crops that can be composted after the holiday season.

No matter what holiday, we hope this year’s celebration feels fuller, more connected, and less chaotic.

Need more guidance? Download our Near Zero Waste Event Guide here.

A Season That Lasts

By the end of the year, we hope you can look back and feel proud for challenging yourself. But more importantly, may you redefine what the holiday season means to you. It’s not about buying more or decorating bigger. Instead, make it about slowing down, choosing with care, and creating memories.

This year, celebrate with intention - less waste, more meaning.