Celebrate Sustainably in the Florida Keys ( and Beyond)

by Karen Williams-deCastro- Broker Associate®, C2EX, RSPS, GRI, SRS, ABR, SFR, AHWD, CELA, CREN

Highlight Photo Cred: 815 E Shore Drive, Summerland Key

Hey there, festive friends! 🎄✨ The holiday season is upon us, and while it's the most wonderful time of the year, it can also be the most wasteful. Did you know that Americans toss about 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year's than any other time? 😲 Let's make this holiday season not just merry and bright but also eco-friendly! Here are five ideas to celebrate sustainably right at home in the Florida Keys.

1. Get Your Home Winter-Ready

   • Living in the sunshine state? Lucky you! But for friends elsewhere, consider winterizing your home. Upgrade to energy-efficient solutions like geothermal heat pumps or solar heating. 🌞💨 Even small changes, like sealing windows and doors, can make a big impact on your energy consumption. Don't forget to enjoy those rare chilly days by opening windows in the Keys!

2. Deck the Halls with Sustainable Decor

   • Love decorating? Opt for sustainable choices! Thrift store finds, upcycled items, or natural decor from your yard can create a festive atmosphere without harming the environment. 🌿🕯️ Pro tip: Choose LED lights and consider a real Christmas tree over plastic for a smaller carbon footprint.

3. Shop Smart, Shop Sustainable

   • Avoid the mall madness and shop sustainably. Check out vintage stores, consignment shops, or support local businesses. 🛍️ Gently used gifts are not only eco-friendly but often appreciated. Consider giving experiences or crafting handmade gifts for that extra personal touch.

4. Green Your Holiday Dinner

   • You don't have to give up your holiday feast! Source meat ethically, prioritize local produce, and plan to minimize food waste. 🍽️ Use tools like the NRDC's "Guest-Imator" to estimate food needs and the USDA's FoodKeeper App to track safety. And, of course, share leftovers with guests or donate to local shelters.

5. Donate or Recycle

   • Once the celebrations wind down, take a few minutes to collect wrapping paper, ribbons, and unwanted items for recycling or composting. 🔄 Upgrade your gadgets responsibly by donating or recycling old ones. And for those who love candles, try beeswax—they're cleaner, less toxic, and biodegradable!

Bottomline: Let's celebrate responsibly! 🌎💚 Reach out if you need local recommendations or personalized guidance for a fantastic eco-friendly holiday season. Wishing you all a joyful and sustainable celebration! 🌟🌲 #GreenHolidays #SustainableLiving #FloridaKeys

Note: Opinions are for informational purposes only. Consult professionals for advice on financial, legal, or tax matters.

Sources:

1. Eco Watch - https://www.ecowatch.com/sustainable-decor-winter-holidays.html
2. Architectural Digest - https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/best-holiday-and-seasonal-decor-for-the-environment
3. The New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/12/18/style/zero-waste-holiday.html
4. Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.epa.gov/burnwise/heat-pumps
5. U.S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/eere/buildings/articles/appliance-and-equipment-standards-fact-sheet
6. IRS - https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit
7. Energy Star - https://www.energystar.gov/saveathome/seal_insulate/sealing_window_door
8. U.S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats
9. U.S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/do-it-yourself-home-energy-assessments
10. Kiplinger - https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/real-estate/t029-s001-12-ways-to-prepare-your-home-for-winter/index.html
11. U.S. Department of Energy - https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/articles/reduce-waste-and-save-energy-holiday-season#
12. Thred Up - https://newsroom.thredup.com/news/thredup-releases-thrift-for-the-holidays-report-revealing-that-new-waves-of-consumers-are-planning-to-gift-secondhand-this-year
13. The Conversation - https://theconversation.com/the-4-biggest-gift-giving-mistakes-according-to-a-consumer-psychologist-195169
14. Popular Science - https://www.popsci.com/story/diy/sustainable-holiday-strategies/
15. Natural Resources Defense Council - https://savethefood.com/guestimator
16. USDA - https://www.usda.gov/media/blog/2018/10/04/usda-updates-foodkeeper-app-include-new-food-items
17. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency - https://www.epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling
18. CanICompostIt.com - https://canicompostit.com/candle-wax/
19. CNN - https://www.cnn.com/2022/11/25/us/real-or-artificial-christmas-tree-climate/index.html