Green Holidays: Celebrating Christmas Sustainably in the Workplace
Before you even realise it, Christmas and New Year’s Day are coming quickly. Many businesses worldwide are ramping up for the holiday season by creating various decorations. However, one of the biggest trends this year is the combination of holiday celebrations and green-core activities. Here are some affordable and easy-to-do ways of celebrating the best time of the year without disappointing Mother Nature.
Make your version of the Christmas tree.
First, cutting trees for Christmas is not necessarily harmful to the environment, thanks to controlled farming. However, this practice may waste time and money for many companies. In some instances, the costs of maintaining the trees may be even higher than the trees themselves, which can only last a season.
Creating a DIY tree allows businesses to protect the environment by repurposing recycled or reusable materials, reducing waste, and eliminating the need for resource-intensive real or artificial trees. This sustainable approach aligns with eco-conscious values while showcasing innovation and responsibility. Of course, it also saves money.
A “green” christmas tree. (Image by Choo Yut Shing via Flickr)
It also fosters collaboration and creativity among employees, as designing and building the tree becomes a team effort. This shared activity promotes bonding, boosts morale, and adds a personal touch to the workplace, turning a simple holiday decoration into a meaningful symbol of unity and teamwork.
Gifts and decorations: Old but gold
Fashion may come full circle, and so do Christmas decorations. Before heading out to the nearest stationery shop, consider what you’ve left from last year’s festive season. Often, you can find something that fits perfectly with your office space. You can turn this into a team-building activity where all employees try to reuse or recycle the items from last year in the most creative way possible. That not only saves money, and reduces carbon footprint from consumerism, but also lots of fun.
The principle of reuse applies just as well to gifts and cards. Instead of purchasing new wrapping paper or printed cards, why don’t you use old newspaper or fabric scraps to wrap gifts? In place of traditional cards, use handwritten notes or digital e-cards. These will add a thoughtful and environmentally friendly twist to holiday greetings. By adopting this circular approach, businesses embrace a more sustainable holiday season and foster creativity and camaraderie among employees.
Quality over quantity
Let’s be honest! Holidays will not be holidays without shopping. Black Friday doesn’t randomly fall on the holiday season. However, being mindful of your purchases for the workplace can pay off in the long run.
First and foremost, you should focus on genuinely essential items—both for practicality and well-being. Prioritizing quality over quantity ensures that any purchases serve a purpose, saving space and reducing unnecessary clutter.
Moreover, choose sustainable, high-quality products instead of disposable or low-cost alternatives. While these might come with a higher upfront cost, they last longer and eliminate the need for constant replacements. By choosing wisely, you can create a more functional and eco-friendlier workspace that aligns with your values.
About the Author
Bert Nguyen is a Copywriter with Flynde, a global company specializing in translation solutions for businesses of all sizes.
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