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It’s that time of year again, when millions of South Africans join the festive season frenzy. It's a time of family fun, gifting and delicious food. But the price of many traditions is alarming when we consider their impact on the planet. A perfect example is a Christmas cracker: for a few seconds of fun, non-recyclable materials like glitter and tiny plastic toys enter the environment. The festive season generates significant waste and pollution, but there are ways to celebrate without causing harm.

Skip the cheap plastic gifts that’ll break before New Year’s Eve. Instead, give experiences (concert tickets, beach days, workshops) or useful goodies like reusable cups, local skincare products or plants. Bonus: you’ll look thoughtful and original and set a great example for the kids. 

Tinfoil paper, glittery ribbons, and sticky tape? These will simply end up in a landfill. Wrap with brown kraft paper, newspaper, repurposed textile or even an old map. Tie it up with twine and a sprig of something green from the garden. It will look Pinterest-worthy and the planet will thank you!

Are you slathering on sunscreen? Good. You need to protect your and your children’s skin. But check your brand: many sunscreens contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. These chemicals harm coral reefs and aquatic life. Opt for reef-safe, mineral-based versions (bonus points if locally made). 

South Africans waste tons of food every December. Plan portions properly, freeze leftovers, host a “leftover lunch” the next day or give to the homeless. If food goes off, compost it. Your garden will love the nutrients.

From picnic cups to single-use cutlery, the plastic pile-up is real. Bring your own reusables: bottles, plates, cutlery and straws. Keep a little “sustainability kit” in your car or beach bag. This also sends an excellent message to the kids that ‘take, make, waste’ is not the way to do things. 

We are lucky to have so many amazing local crafters in our country. Support them, as well as local bakers and other small businesses. It’s so much nicer than buying imported mass-market goodies. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint and boost someone’s holiday income. Plus, local goods usually come with less packaging and more heart.

After the braai and the swim, do a quick litter patrol. Plastic bags and chip packets blow straight into the sea, and no one wants a turtle chewing on your lunch wrapper. You can make it into a fun activity for the kids. 

Use LED fairy lights to save energy, skip the tinsel and get creative: shells, dried oranges, pinecones and even recycled bottle caps can make stunning eco-decor.

Sustainability is about intentional joy. Buy less, waste less and enjoy more. The best part of the festive season isn’t the stuff. It’s the sunshine, laughter and lekker people around you. 

Just imagine: every non-sustainable way of enjoying the festive season is being replicated millions of times across the planet. You may think your own little footprint is of no consequence, but it is. It takes a global village to protect our one precious planet for the sake of all who live on it.