Christmas and the SDGs: Celebrating with Sustainability

How was your Halloween? Did you dress up in cosplay or go trick-or-treating? Now that Halloween is over, the world is moving towards Christmas. There are already Christmas lights illuminating the town, even though it’s still November. Christmas is one of the biggest celebrations globally, and it also ties into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

So, let’s dive into a few ways we can celebrate Christmas sustainably, while also looking at some inspiring efforts by organizations around the world that bring the holiday spirit to life in ways that align with these global goals.

Negative Effect on The Environment

You might wonder, “What’s the issue with celebrating such a festive occasion?” It can be hard to picture the downsides. Yet, when we take a step back and think about it, we can see there are several challenges that often go unnoticed in the excitement of the holidays.

・Delivery-Related Pollution

First, imagine the surge in online shopping during the Christmas season leads to a dramatic increase in delivery services. While the convenience of online shopping is undeniable, it contributes significantly to carbon emissions. Delivery trucks and vans are on the road more than ever, leading to increased air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This surge in delivery not only exacerbates climate change but also places additional strain on urban infrastructure.

・Gift Wrapping Waste

The excitement of unwrapping gifts is a cherished tradition, we cannot imagine a gift without wrapping right? But it often comes at a high environmental cost. Many gift wraps are made from non-recyclable materials, leading to a significant amount of waste in landfills. As a matter of fact, the packaging industry alone adds about 1.7 billion metric tons of CO2 to the atmosphere every year. You can learn more at this article.

・Food Waste

Christmas feasts are often extravagant, featuring an array of dishes that can lead to significant food waste. In many households, leftovers end up in the trash rather than being consumed.

 It is estimated that 2 million turkeys, 74 million mince pies and 5 million Christmas puddings are thrown away. What a sad fact!

・Impact on the Underprivileged

While many people enjoy the luxury of gift-giving, it’s important to remember those who are struggling financially, especially during the holiday season. The emphasis on consumerism can create a stark contrast for individuals and families who cannot afford gifts or holiday meals.

・Illumination and the Energy

Arcadia, an energy data provider, estimated that half of homes that celebrate Christmas use lights, which leads to the total consumption of 3.5 billion kWh in the month of December to power Christmas lights in the United States.

Reducing Environmental Impact (SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production)

Christmas brings to mind twinkling lights and gift-giving, but these traditions can impact the environment. SDG 12 encourages responsible consumption and production, reminding us that mindful choices can make a difference this holiday season.

A great way to reduce environmental impact during Christmas is by choosing eco-friendly decorations. The Global Green Grants Fund supports communities in creating sustainable public decorations that celebrate the season without generating waste.

Additionally, consider using recycled wrapping paper or fabric, like the Japanese Furoshiki cloth, to minimize holiday waste. The Waste and Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in the UK promotes sustainable wrapping options, helping families incorporate eco-friendly practices into their holiday traditions.

Supporting Fair Trade and Ethical Gifts (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth)

When we buy fair trade and ethically produced products as a gift of Christmas, we support artisans and workers who receive fair wages and safe working conditions. This is what SDG 8 is all about—ensuring decent work and economic growth.

Fair trade organizations like Fairtrade International and The Fair Trade Federation provide a variety of sustainable items, from chocolate and coffee to handmade crafts. Supporting local artisans is another great way to shop sustainably. Many towns host holiday markets where small businesses sell handmade goods, which boosts local economies, reduces transportation emissions, and fosters community spirit. These initiatives encourage holiday shopping as a means of community building.

Helping Those in Need (SDG 1: No Poverty, and SDG 2: Zero Hunger)

Christmas is known as a season of giving, and there are plenty of ways we can extend our holiday generosity to people in need. SDG 1 focuses on ending poverty, while SDG 2 aims to eliminate hunger—two goals that perfectly align with the holiday spirit.

Organizations like Feeding America in the U.S. and The Trussell Trust in the UK run special programs to collect surplus food and distribute it to families who might not otherwise have a holiday meal. By donating or volunteering with these organizations, we can help ensure everyone has enough to eat this season. There are also many charities that allow you to make a gift donation.

Advocating for Clean Energy Use (SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy)

Christmas lights are beautiful, but they can also use a lot of energy. By switching to LED or solar-powered decorations, we can enjoy a festive display while supporting SDG 7, which focuses on affordable and clean energy.

In Germany, the Green Christmas Lights Campaign encourages cities to use energy-efficient lights for public displays. This reduces carbon emissions and raises awareness about energy conservation. In addition, organizations like SolarAid work to promote affordable solar technology in developing countries, making solar lighting accessible to communities without reliable electricity.

Supporting Education and Empowerment (SDG 4: Quality Education)

Educational resources can be a priceless gift, especially for children in underserved communities. SDG 4 focuses on quality education, and many organizations offer holiday programs to support learning.

One such organization, Room to Read, promotes literacy and gender equality in education. During the Christmas season, they encourage donations to provide books, educational materials, and scholarships for children in low-income regions. Giving the gift of education helps children build brighter futures, and what better gift could there be?

Making Christmas Count for the Future

Christmas is a time of joy, gratitude, and giving. As we celebrate with loved ones, we can also take simple actions that align with the SDGs, making the holiday season an opportunity for positive change. Whether it’s choosing fair-trade gifts, using eco-friendly decor, donating to important causes, or supporting clean energy, every small choice contributes to a sustainable and equitable future.

Enjoying Christmas in your own way is your right! We all want to celebrate this annual event, and that includes me. So, feel free to celebrate as you wish. What I’m trying to say is: “Embrace Christmas to the fullest while also contributing to the SDGs in other areas.” You can indulge in your favorite foods or choose how you wrap your gifts. By taking action in various ways, such as participating in carbon credit programs, you can help create a cleaner environment. So, let’s give a gift to the Earth!