A Low-Waste Christmas in Philly: How to Stay Jolly Without Feeding the Fire (Literally)

Every December, even the greenest among us lose it a little. We spend all year composting coffee grounds and preaching sustainability — then December hits and suddenly we’re panic-buying novelty wrapping paper like raccoons in a craft store.

Here’s the reality check under the tinsel: Philadelphia doesn’t just “throw things away.” Much of our trash goes straight down I-95 to Chester, where it’s burned — yes, burned — at one of the largest waste incinerators in the country. The Reworld (formerly Covanta) Delaware Valley facility handles roughly 3,500 tons of garbage a day, and about a third of that is ours. (Philadelphia Inquirer, 2025)

So when you toss that glitter-covered paper and those plastic trays from your “eco-conscious” meal prep, just remember: someone else downwind is breathing your Christmas.

But this doesn’t mean you have to cancel Christmas and start gifting interpretive dance pieces made from repurposed kale stems. You can still have a brilliant holiday — just with less waste and more wit.

1. Wrap it like you mean it (for the planet, not the aesthetics).
   Most commercial wrapping paper is just plastic in party drag. Try brown paper bags, reusable cloth, or last year’s gift wrap (no shame). Top it with a sprig of pine, and boom — even Martha Stewart would approve. 
2. Gift memories, not microplastics.
   Skip the clutter. Give an experience: tickets to a local show, a pottery class, or dinner at that spot everyone’s been talking about but no one’s booked. Experiences create joy, not emissions — and nobody has to fake a smile while unwrapping it.

Or, donate in someone’s name. This year, ECHO Systems is donating half of all proceeds in December to Chester Residents Concerned for Quality Living (CRCQL) — the powerhouse environmental justice group leading the fight to stop Philly’s waste from being burned in Chester. Supporting them is like giving the region a deep, clean breath for Christmas.

3. Feast smart.
   Use what you buy, compost the scraps if you can, or share your leftovers with those in need. Remember that many people may experience food insecurity. If you have food supplies that were not used, consider donating to a local community fridge listed here. If you are able to, store your leftovers in reusable containers to avoid disposable food packaging and if you are hosting and your budget can allow, purchase extra flatwares that the thrift store for cheap and skip the disposable flatwares all together. We bought a dozen plates and silverware for less than $20. This can help you save money over the years on disposables. 
4. Decorate with nature, give thanks to the earthly beauty all around.
   A twelve-foot inflatable Santa glowing like an alien landing site may be cute but what happens when it gets a hole in it? Many people may just throw the entire thing away. Try branches, candles, pinecones, and that one string of lights that still works. It’s cheaper, and won’t leave much plastic waste. 
5. Keep the humor, lose the waste.
   This isn’t about perfection — it’s about presence. Laugh at yourself. Reuse everything. When someone calls you “extra” for saving ribbons, tell them you’re “participating in regional materials circularity or making them a beautiful hair bow piece.”

So go ahead — eat, laugh, give smarter, and maybe toss a few bucks to ECHO or CRCQL while you’re at it because nothing says holiday spirit like giving your neighbors — and the planet — the gift of cleaner air.