As the festive season approaches, the Upper School Greenies at the American School of Milan are leading the charge to inspire sustainable holiday practices. Their mission? To encourage students, teachers, and families in our community to celebrate in ways that minimize environmental impact while making the holidays even more meaningful.
At a recent high school assembly, the Greenies shared practical eco-friendly tips for a greener holiday season. Here’s a glimpse into their thoughtful advice:
Sustainable Holiday Tips
Gift Wrapping and Decorations
- Use recycled paper or reusable alternatives like fabric wraps (e.g., Furoshiki) or repurposed materials such as old maps or newspapers.
- Avoid single-use plastic decorations. Instead, opt for long-lasting, eco-friendly options.
- If buying a Christmas tree, choose a responsibly sourced cut tree, which is more environmentally friendly than artificial ones.
Thoughtful Gifting Ideas
- Give the gift of experiences: tickets to concerts, cooking classes, or museum memberships.
- Create homemade gifts like jams, baked goods, or crafts for a personal touch.
- Opt for consumable gifts like coffee, tea, wine, or specialty foods.
- Reduce packaging waste with e-books, streaming subscriptions, or online gift cards.
Hosting a Sustainable Feast
- Source ingredients locally to support nearby farmers and reduce your carbon footprint.
- Use reusable dinnerware—real plates, utensils, and cloth napkins—instead of disposables.
Post-Holiday Practices
- Recycle your Christmas tree responsibly or repurpose it if possible.
- Store decorations carefully to reuse them next year.
- Follow recycling guidelines to dispose of wrapping paper and packaging responsibly.
The Greenies hope these tips will inspire the ASM community to make this holiday season a celebration not just of loved ones but also of our planet. Together, we can enjoy a joyful and sustainable holiday season while making a positive impact on the environment.
Wishing you all the best for the holidays,
The ASM Greenies
Let’s join hands in celebrating the season sustainably and embracing the true spirit of giving—one that includes caring for our planet!
