How to Celebrate Sustainability all Year Long

A Season for Giving Back (to the Planet)

The holidays are full of joy, generosity, and—unfortunately—waste. Americans throw away 25% more trash during the holidays than at any other time (EPA). This year, make sustainability part of your celebrations with small changes that add up to big impact.

 Halloween

• Swap plastic decorations for natural or reusable ones—think pumpkins, paper garlands, and LED lights.
• Use GreenPolly recycled bags (link) during community trick-or-treat cleanups or for post-event waste collection.
• Choose costumes that can be reused or donated instead of single-use options.

 Thanksgiving

• Use real dishes instead of disposables.
• Compost food scraps or use GreenPolly recycled liners for easy clean-up.
• If you need suggestions on what to use to collect food scraps, we’d recommend Biobag
• Shop locally and minimize packaging waste when possible.

 Christmas & Winter Holidays

• Wrap gifts in recycled paper or reusable cloth.
• Choose LED lights and unplug decor when not in use to save energy.
• Gift sustainably—recycled, handmade, or experience-based gifts go a long way toward reducing waste.

Keep the Spirit All Year

Sustainability doesn’t have to stop with the holidays. Each small, thoughtful choice—like using GreenPolly bags made from recycled plastic—helps keep our communities cleaner and our planet healthier year-round.