by Lily Kunkel
Lily Kunkel (she/they) is the Waste Education Coordinator at the Office of Sustainability, and an avid gifter. In this blog, Lily shares tips and creative ideas for showing you care, while reducing waste.
With the fall semester coming to an end and the holidays upon us or approaching, the excitement of traditions and celebrations is just around the corner. Part of many people’s holiday season, gift-giving can be a last-minute panic or the big opportunity you’ve been saving for.
Still, many people wish that the holidays were more meaningful and less materialistic. Although “reduce” is the most impactful first strategy, it’s particularly hard to do when holidays carry so much sentimental value – Personally, I love to give and receive gifts!
So here’s some tips and suggestions to make your gift-giving more sustainable without sacrificing the sentiment and excitement.
The holiday season inspires many to show gratitude through celebrations, gift giving, and traveling to visit loved ones. Unfortunately, these activities can generate waste and contribute to our growing carbon footprint. In the United States, household waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s and 33% more food is thrown away. That’s more than 
NYU ranked #29 on the 
