Sustainable Actions during your Ho-Ho-Ho-Holiday

Reflecting and elaborating on last month’s Clean Air Corner article, here are some further tips on how to create a sustainable holiday season for you and your family.

Dining

There is a lot of cooking happening during this time of year, so it is understandable if you are burnt out after Thanksgiving and decide to eat out with friends and family during the rest of the holiday season. If this is the case, consider eating at restaurants that promote an eco-friendly message. There are some great vegan restaurants in the DFW area such as Cosmic Café, Spiral Diner, and Be Raw just to name a few. Eating a plant-based meal just one day a week is a start in helping decrease greenhouse gas emissions from animal agriculture, which will help reduce air pollution. If you are not too keen on the idea of eating vegan meals, consider organic restaurant options where you can consume healthier foods and help the environment at the same time.

Gift Giving

As you purchase presents this holiday season, think about shopping at small, nearby retailers or farmers markets for locally made gifts. Not only will you support smaller businesses, but you will also live sustainably by buying locally. As you shop, do not forget your reusable bag. Some grocery stores such as Sprouts, Whole Foods and Target even give you five cents off your purchase for bringing in your own bags. You can save money and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time! Maybe even consider purchasing e-gift cards to reduce the use of single-use plastics to make your gifts more environmentally conscious. This also helps the receiver since they do not have to carry around a plastic card and can reach their gift cards through their phone, tablet or computer. Also, do not forget about the possibility of gifting an experience. Groupon is a great site to look for some fun opportunities.

Traveling

Also, while you are away from home, stay at eco-friendly hotels. If you are curious what an eco-friendly hotel might look like, The Hyatt Regency hotel in Dallas is a great example. This Hyatt location partners with the Clean the World project and sends recycled shampoo, conditioner, body lotion and soap to communities in need. While you are in your temporary location, consider carpooling with people you may know, walk to the places you need to go and/or use the public transportation in that area. Once you return home to DFW, use alternate transportation such as DART, Trinity Metro, or DCTA to further help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. You can use TryParkingIt.com to discover ways to carpool and rideshare if you prefer not to take public transportation and would rather travel by car.