Sustainable Holiday Traditions with Shannon Jade: Eco-Friendly Living Made Joyful
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): A Further Inquiry
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/10/02
Shannon Jade is a sustainability advocate, environmental scientist, and the author of the climate-focused novel in verse, A Song for the Earth. She focuses on practical ways to make eco-friendly living both accessible and meaningful. Passionate about aligning tradition with environmental responsibility, Shannon highlights simple, creative solutions that reduce waste while enriching seasonal celebrations. Her insights on sustainable holiday practices—such as swapping disposable wrapping paper for reusable fabrics or festive-printed tea towels—illustrate how new traditions can emerge from mindful choices. With a talent for blending data-driven awareness and lifestyle advice, Shannon encourages individuals and families to embrace sustainability as a joyful, long-term commitment that strengthens both community ties and environmental stewardship.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How can families create new holiday traditions: both festive and sustainable?
Shannon Jade: There’s no reason that sustainability and tradition have to be mutually exclusive. In fact, many new traditions can begin with a sustainable approach! These approaches help to include sustainability as part of the festivities, inviting a future-focused approach that celebrates the hope at the core of holiday celebrations.
Jacobsen: Wrapping paper waste: What are your favorite reusable alternatives?
Jade: When it comes to the holidays, one of the biggest environmental costs is wrapping paper. Research by the GWP Group suggests that UK consumers alone use a whopping 227,000 miles every year! Why not swap throwaway paper for a reusable alternative, like fabric or festive-printed tea towels? These items can be a trademark of every holiday season, and they’ll save you both money and waste in the long run.
Jacobsen: How can gift-giving become more meaningful while reducing overconsumption?
Jade: In the era of capitalism, gift-giving often strays into overconsumption, but that doesn’t have to be the case. Often, simpler, less consumptive gifts carry much more meaning, with less chance of being forgotten as soon as the holiday season is over. Instead of purchasing a wide variety of wasteful plastics, consider using your skills to make a gift by hand, or buy a gift from another handmade artist. Alternatively, do away with stuff altogether, and give the gift of an experience you and your friend or loved one can share.
Jacobsen: What role does creativity play in sustainable practices?
Jade: A little creativity can go a long way when it comes to adopting a more sustainable gift-giving approach. Take the time to think about the person you’re buying (or making) for. Don’t be afraid to exercise a little innovation or test out your artistic skills to craft a gift that won’t be landfill by new year’s.
Jacobsen: How can consumers approach decorating in a way that reduces waste?
Jade: Decorating is such an important holiday tradition for many, inviting families to spend time together and reflect on the magic of festive seasons gone by. Choosing sustainability doesn’t mean getting rid of the decorations that bring you joy. Use the much-loved decorations you already have, and find ways to repurpose items that are old, tired, or broken. If you’re looking for new decorative pieces, choose biodegradable materials, and consider recycling or repurposing. Do away with plastic-based tinsel, and instead decorate your home with fabric ribbons or dried orange rounds. The latter make for a great festive activity with the added bonus of a sweet-smelling scent!
Jacobsen: What small, practical steps can households take to reduce carbon footprint?
Jade: There are steps you can take to reduce your carbon footprint every day. Switch off the lights (regular or festive) when they’re not in use. Pile on sweaters and blankets before relying on the heater. Shorten your showers, and replace heavy meat dishes with delicious vegetarian alternatives. Small steps might not save the world, but they do make a difference, especially when people all around the world chip in to do their part.
Jacobsen: How can sustainability advocates shift the narrative from “sacrifice” to “celebration”?
Jade: Sustainability isn’t a sacrifice. It’s a celebration! Instead of thinking about the things you’re giving up to make the holidays greener going forward, consider how you can introduce new sustainable traditions that celebrate the things you love most about the season. A sustainable holiday period can provide a fresh opportunity to make a positive difference and to show loved ones you care—about them and the world you share. Sustainable options could even open your eyes to new gifts and experiences you never would have found in a department store.
Jacobsen: What sustainable habits can be carried into everyday life year-round?
Jade: The sustainability skills you learn from the holidays can easily be carried into the new year. Find the ideas that work for the festive season, and see how you can apply these to birthdays, graduations, weddings, and other celebrations. All year long, consider replacing plastic and waste with recyclable or reusable alternatives, and cut down on high-carbon activities wherever you can, from gift items to home décor to Sunday dinner trimmings.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Shannon.
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