The holiday season is filled with endless festivities, often resulting in more-than-usual waste. Think of the leftovers from elaborate feasts, the mountains of gift wrappers, and the proliferation of throwaway stocking stuffers. But there's no need to continue those wasteful traditions this year. You can make your holidays more environmentally friendly with these simple changes.

Most people are delighted to receive knick-knacks for Christmas, but these items often stay forgotten in storage. So, instead of shopping for nonfunctional stocking stuffers, give away practical essentials. For example, consider reusable water bottles for your fitness-loving friends or a portable charger for your on-the-go boss. Here are other ideas for useful and sustainable presents:

• Handmade gifts: Crocheted coasters, herb-infused oils, and propagation kits with houseplant cuttings are special because they have your personal touch.
• Subscription plans: Cover the cost of the recipient’s subscription to Disney+, Netflix, or Prime Video. Most streaming platforms offer monthly, quarterly, or annual payments, so you can choose what works for your budget.
• Donation to a worthy cause: The gift of giving back is a thoughtful present many will appreciate. Why not donate to a charity such as The Hapag Movement in the name of the recipient?
• Experiences: Surprise your loved ones with an outdoor picnic at nearby green spaces such as the Ayala Circuit grounds. Art-loving friends and family might appreciate tickets to The Met or Pinto Art Museum while those who are more adventurous can be treated to a gorgeous hike in Masungi Georeserve.
• Traveler eSIM: Treat balikbayan relatives and visiting friends to an eco-friendly digital SIM card. Globe’s Traveler eSIM comes preloaded with 80 GB worth of data and unlimited calls and texts for hassle-free communication.

Skip ultra-glossy or metallic wrappers, as they're often non-recyclable. The same goes for anything lined with plastic or vinyl. Instead of buying all-new wrapping paper and bags, reuse newspapers, pages from old magazines, and eco-friendly shopping bags. Add cloth ribbons for a bit of festive flair.

For something more minimalist, go for recycled kraft paper. You can customize it with simple artwork, like the recipient's name in calligraphy or a hand-drawn holiday pattern. Additionally, ensure your packaging is convenient to reuse so they don't get tossed. Glass jars, wooden crates, and woven baskets are great examples.

Most households have a box of decorations saved for the holidays. A few may be worse for wear, but avoid buying new ones. Why not save yourself some cash by upcycling those precious heirlooms and handcrafting your own décor instead? Try these:

• Refresh outdated Christmas baubles with paint and markers. Personalize them with your family's names.
• Dust off old wreaths and patch them with dried flowers, orange slices, and ribbons. Spritz them with your favorite essential oil blend to make your home smell more inviting.
• Make stockings out of old or thrifted sweaters and blankets. Sew the pieces together, then stuff them with paper or scrap cloth so they look fuller when hung.
• Practice the art of origami. Make snowflakes, gingerbread men, and stars for ornaments. You can even craft a mini Christmas tree entirely out of construction paper.
• Recycle old CDs, bottle caps, and buttons. Paint them in festive colors, then string them together into ornaments or garlands. The shiny sides of CDs bring lots of DIY sparkle.

For many, it's hard to feel the Christmas spirit at home without the bright lights and chilly, AC-powered environment. But keeping everything on 24/7 takes tons of energy, leading power plants to use more fossil fuels throughout the season. To help reduce your carbon footprint, take the necessary steps to manage your energy use. Doing so can also help you keep electricity bills low.

Start by switching to LED Christmas lights. They're more energy-efficient than halogen bulbs, using up to 75% less electricity. They also have a longer lifespan, so you won't need to replace them frequently. Another easy measure is to switch off electric decor when they're not in use. Don't leave the lights on all day, and give your air-conditioning unit a break on breezy, “ber” month nights.

The holidays are a time of indulgence, filled with feasts and delightful treats. However, be careful not to overdo it. Excess leads to waste, bringing harm to the environment and your health. Remember how sick you feel after eating one too many Christmas cookies? Exactly. So, enjoy yourself in moderation and do what you can to ensure there's less waste at the table this year. Start here:

• Make just enough food for everyone. Use your expected headcount to estimate how much you should cook. If you're hosting a meal for four people, adjust your recipes for the appropriate number of servings.
• Get creative with leftovers. Don't throw away that half-eaten rotisserie chicken–you can shred it and make chicken salad. Have ham slices from noche buena? Save them for tomorrow’s omelet. Think of your leftovers as ingredients to avoid waste.
• Avoid disposable service ware. Flimsy plastic utensils, cups, and plates are a no-go. As much as possible, stick to reusable alternatives like metal cutlery, ceramic plates, and glass straws. If you expect a lot of people for an event, go for recyclable service ware, such as paper plates and sugarcane fiber cups.

Are you thinking of treating yourself to a phone upgrade this Christmas? Go for it! While you're at it, make your new mobile more environmentally friendly by opting for an eSIM. It reduces your carbon footprint by cutting out the plastic and carbon waste a regular SIM card produces.Check Globe’s Online Shop to explore eSIM-capable devices and select the eSIM option to proceed with your postpaid plan application.