Greener Giving: Sustainable Ways to Celebrate the Winter Holidays  

The winter season brings with it a sense of warmth, generosity, and celebration. Whether you’re observing Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas, the Winter Solstice, or simply gathering with loved ones to mark the year’s end, gift-giving often plays a central role. Unfortunately, this joyful tradition also often comes with a hefty environmental price tag. From overpackaged items shipped across the world to mountains of discarded wrapping paper, gifts can have a hidden impact. Each year, holiday consumption spikes dramatically. Waste generation increases by as much as 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Don’t worry - with a little creativity and mindfulness, you can enjoy the holiday gifting while keeping your celebrations green, guilt-free, and full of cheer.  

As you make your list and check it twice, consider these tips to stay on the nice list this year:  

Shop Local and Support Artisans  

• One of the most effective ways to give sustainably is to shop locally. Buying from nearby artists, makers, and small businesses not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with shipping but also strengthens your local economy and community. Handcrafted gifts often carry a story and personal touch that mass-produced items can’t match. This season, consider visiting the Wild Winter Art Market at Swaner EcoCenter on Friday, December 19th, from 5-8 pm. This festive showcase of local talent offers unique jewelry, ceramics, textiles, and eco-friendly creations that highlight the beauty of the natural world, foster a deeper connection to nature, and inspire action to care for our environment. It’s the perfect place to find gifts that are both thoughtful and planet-conscious! 

Give Experiences Instead of Things  

• Memories outlast most material gifts. Give an experience: tickets to a local concert, a cooking class, or a membership to a museum or nature center. These gifts enrich lives without creating waste.  

Wrap with Care  

• Each year, millions of tons of wrapping paper end up in landfills. Opt for reusable or recyclable options instead! Brown craft paper decorated with twine and natural accents like pine sprigs or cinnamon sticks can add rustic charm or wrap gifts in fabric scarves, tea towels, or newspaper comics for a creative twist.  

Choose Quality Over Quantity  

• Instead of filling stockings with novelty items that break or get tossed quickly, invest in fewer, higher-quality gifts that will last for years. Handmade, durable, or repairable goods reduce waste and reflect a thoughtful approach to giving.  

Sustainable gifting doesn’t mean sacrificing festivity—it means embracing the spirit of the holidays in a way that honors both loved ones and the Earth. This winter, celebrate all your holidays with gifts that give back to your community, reduce waste, and keep the world just a little bit brighter for the year ahead! 

Other Naturalist News

Loss of Beaver Population Next to Swaner EcoCenter

Between March 23 and April 2, five dead beavers were discovered near the Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter by Swaner staff. All five beavers shared one lodge outside the EcoCenter, and samples collected from one of the beavers tested positive for tularemia.

Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter Welcomes New Executive Director

We are thrilled to announce our new executive director, Lewis Kogan. Learn more about his impressive career and excitement to join the organization.

What To Do If You Find a Baby Bird

It’s spring, which means baby animals of all kinds are starting to appear! Learn what to do if you find a baby bird during this time of year.

Amazing Butterflies

If you enjoy summer days hiking in the local mountains or sitting among the flowers in a nearby garden, you have undoubtedly observed butterflies flitting from flower to flower or gliding on updrafts overhead. These small fragile creatures have withstood

American Wetlands Month

Did you know that May is American Wetlands Month? It's the perfect time to celebrate the amazing wetlands right here in the Wasatch Back! Wetlands are one of the most important—and rare—ecosystems in Utah. In fact, less than 1% of our entire state is cons

Clever Creatures: How Local Wildlife Prepares for Winter

All around us, wildlife here on the Wasatch Back are making remarkable adjustments to survive the cold months ahead. Some tuck themselves away in a kind of suspended animation, while others stay active, transforming their behavior to endure freezing tempe

Become a Community Scientist

Towards the end of April, you have a unique opportunity to become a part of something big – the City Nature Challenge! In Park City, this event is a collaboration between Swaner Preserve & EcoCenter and Basin Recreation, and it's all about observing and d

How Stars and Nature Guide Us Through Change

Places like the Swaner Preserve have become increasingly rare. Behind a shopping plaza with diverse restaurants, boutiques, and condos, there lies a 1,200-acre piece of permanently protected open space. It starkly contrasts the life around its border—a sl

DIY Snow Gauge

Although winter can be cold and dark, it is also a great season to explore and engage with nature in new ways! A fun and easy way to do this is by building your own snow gauge! With a paint stirrer and a few materials, you can measure snowfall and connect

Wanted: Invasive Weeds

It's weed season, Park City! Help our native ecosystem by tackling invasive weeds in your area, or joining in one of Swaner's upcoming volunteer events!

PreviousNext