During the holiday season, we celebrate with great food, festive lights, fun gatherings, trips, gift-giving, and more. However, all these festivities can significantly increase CO2 emissions. In fact, each person is responsible for approximately 1,400 extra pounds of CO2 during this time.
Curious about how carbon dioxide impacts our environment and how you can cut down on it this holiday season? Let’s dive in.
Carbon dioxide, made up of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms, is a colorless, odorless gas at low levels. It’s a key greenhouse gas that supports the survival of plants and animals by helping regulate Earth’s temperature. But when CO2 levels spike, they can present serious risks. High CO2 levels reduce oxygen in red blood cells, leading to issues like fatigue, headaches, irritability, trouble focusing, and restlessness. At extreme levels, CO2 can cause drowsiness, unconsciousness, and even death.
The holidays are a time for sharing delicious meals with loved ones, but this can also result in higher CO2 emissions. Here are a few common sources of CO2 at home during the festive season:
Even though this time of year is about togetherness and celebration, we also need to consider how our activities impact the planet. Here are some tips to help reduce CO2 emissions during the holidays:
1. Shop Local and Plan Your Trips
Ordering gifts online might be convenient, but shipping long distances increases your carbon footprint. Instead, try purchasing gifts from local stores. Not only does it support small businesses, but it also helps the environment. Additionally, group your errands to minimize travel. For example, pick up groceries and gifts in one trip. This saves both time and fuel.
2. Say No to Plastic Wrapping
Skip plastic gift wrap and opt for alternatives like newspapers, magazines, reusable fabric, or old wrapping papers. If buying new wrapping paper, go for recyclable or recycled options. And don’t forget to bring your own reusable bags when shopping to reduce plastic waste.
3. Be Mindful of Holiday Lights
Seeing a house lit up for the holidays is beautiful, but all those sparkling lights can have a significant environmental impact. Most electricity for these displays comes from power plants that burn fossil fuels and generate CO2. To minimize this, keep decorations simple, use LED lights (which are more energy-efficient and durable), and turn off lights and appliances when not in use.
4. Use Natural Air Purifiers
Instead of merely masking odors, natural air purifiers, like the aerium, can absorb smells and reduce carbon dioxide, giving you fresh, clean air indoors. These purifiers offer other benefits too, like improving sleep, lowering stress, and boosting productivity by eliminating airborne pollutants. With products like aerium, you can enjoy healthier air quality during the holidays while being kind to the environment.
While it’s important to celebrate the holidays in ways that bring you joy, it’s even better to do so while being eco-conscious. Start by incorporating sustainable habits, like smart shopping, cutting back on plastic, and managing energy consumption. This way, you can create meaningful memories while also helping to protect our planet.