Celebrate a Sustainable Holiday Season

11/19/25

The holiday season is a time for gratitude, connection, and celebration, but it’s also when energy use and waste tend to rise. Travel, shopping, cooking, and decorating all add up, making November and December some of the most resource-intensive months of the year. With a few simple changes, you can help cut greenhouse gas emissions and support the County’s Climate Action Plan (CAP), which seeks to reduce emissions and build a more sustainable future.

 

Think Green, Rather Than Black Friday Shopping!

Green Friday

Instead of participating in the rush of Black Friday sales, consider embracing Green Friday by supporting local businesses, buying secondhand, or skipping the shopping altogether in favor of outdoor activities. The County’s Department of Parks and Recreation waives parking fees on Green Friday, encouraging residents to enjoy more than 100 County parks and preserves through hiking, biking, or volunteering at a community cleanup.

Additionally, the fall season is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce, such as squash, carrots, persimmons, and sweet potatoes, all of which may be available at Certified Farmers’ Markets. Buying local helps reduce transportation emissions, supports small farms, and keeps organic waste out of landfills—all key strategies supported under the CAP.

Decorate and Celebrate Mindfully

Engelmann Oak Tree

Americans waste roughly a third of all food they produce, and holiday gatherings often result in more leftovers than we can manage. Try these tips to make your feast more sustainable:

  • Plan portions carefully and store leftovers promptly;
  • Compost food scraps and avoid throwing organic waste in the trash; and
  • Share or donate unopened, unused ingredients to local food pantries.

When decorating your home, opt for LED string lights, as well as reusable and natural decorations like cloth napkins, pinecones, and greenery. When hosting gatherings, try to use reusable dishes, utensils, and leftover containers to reduce single-use plastics.

If you’re planning to give gifts this year, consider giving experiences like local park passes, homemade goods, or energy-efficient products. Wrapping gifts in recycled paper, reusable bags, or even old maps or newspapers can also help cut down on waste.

Ultimately, by shopping locally, reducing waste, and conserving energy, you can enjoy a joyful, sustainable holiday season while supporting the County’s CAP goals for a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient San Diego region.

For more sustainability tips and updates on CAP initiatives, visit the CAP website, sign up for our monthly newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X.