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Have Yourself a Sustainable Christmas: Five Tips for a Greener Holiday

Baylor’s Office of Sustainability says thoughtful gift-giving, recyclable wrappings, local foods and smarter Christmas tree choices help us reconnect with simpler times

Dec 11, 2025

3 min


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As the holiday season approaches, there are multiple ways that individuals and families can employ mindful practices – both meaningful and eco-friendly – that reduce waste and support local communities.


From reusable wrappings to sourcing meals locally and composting the leftovers to smarter Christmas tree choices, Baylor University’s Joshua King, Ph.D., professor of English and director of Environmental Humanities minor, and Gary Cocke, senior director of sustainability, offer five tips for embracing sustainability during the holidays to help us reconnect with simpler, more meaningful traditions.


Five Tips to Make Your Holidays Meaningful and Eco-friendly


1. Thoughtful gift giving: Choose long-lasting gifts or experiences that recipients will use and appreciate.


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"Quality over quantity is always a good rule of thumb," Cocke said. “Giving gifts that are useful and durable is best – and if you think of what the recipient would actually be able to use, it is, by its very nature, a more thoughtful gift.”


He also encourages exploring and supporting local businesses and the local economy while shopping for unique presents.


King added that crafting a creative letter, poem or handmade gift “take us back to the gratitude that should be at the heart of our celebration.”


"Experiences can also be wonderful gifts – they often foster lasting memories and meaningful connections," Cocke added.


For those looking to give back, donating to a nonprofit organization that resonates with the recipient’s values is a thoughtful gesture.


2. Eco-friendly gift wrapping options


An easy way to reduce holiday waste is with intentional gift wrapping. "Choose recyclable paper wrapping over shiny, plastic-laden alternatives and reuse materials when possible," Cocke said.


King added that reusable options like fabric and premade bags can be stylish and sustainable.


Do-it-yourself wrapping paper can be a fun family activity. “Grab some plain paper and decorate with stamps and markers,” Cocke said. “Grandparents especially love the personal touch of kid-decorated paper."


3. Eat locally and compost

Another way to support local businesses is by “sourcing meals locally and making use of leftovers or composting what can’t be eaten,” King said. The Baylor Community Garden offers compost buckets for families to collect their food waste for composting.


4. Greener Christmas tree choices

When it comes to Christmas trees, the debate between real versus artificial trees comes down to longevity and disposal.


"Artificial trees can be the more sustainable option if used for at least 10 years," Cocke said. "However, real trees are a good choice if properly composted after use."


Cocke highlighted the importance of composting and local options for live tree recycling or mulching:


5. A sustainable future


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“The holidays invite us to practice gratitude and to celebrate relationships we cherish, often by giving gifts, and at Christmas, Christians express gratitude for the ultimate gift: God’s pledge of love to creation through the incarnation, becoming one with us as a fellow creature,” King said.



“What better time for practicing a revolution of gratitude through gift-giving and celebrations that are light on the earth and that respect the many relationships by which we live?”


Cocke hopes that Baylor’s strategic initiatives and local partnerships will continue to foster sustainable practices, from increasing access to composting to raising awareness about holiday waste reduction.


"A little mindfulness can go a long way toward making the holidays more meaningful and sustainable," he said.


Looking to know more or arrange an interview? Simply contact: Shelby Cefaratti-Bertin today.

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