By: Joshua Finley

With the holiday season in full swing, sustainability is taking center stage for Americans, and ALPLA is leading the charge from its North American headquarters in McDonough, Ga. According to ALPLA’s new 2024 Sustainable Holidays Survey report, 87% of Americans are reusing gift bags, ribbons, and wrapping paper this year, signaling a nationwide effort to reduce holiday waste.

Holiday celebrations often come with environmental considerations in mind, this survey, conducted by the third-party platform Pollfish, highlights changes in how consumers approach gift-giving, holiday meals, and packaging. It suggests a growing interest in balancing festive traditions with eco-conscious practices.

Holiday Wrapping Gets a Second Life

Even during a season often associated with abundance, habits appear to be changing. Many Americans are reusing wrapping supplies and recycling materials that cannot be repurposed, reflecting an increased awareness of waste.

Billy Rice, Sustainability Manager at ALPLA North America, explained: “As a society, we’re seeing a growing awareness of sustainability, even during the holidays – a season traditionally associated with excess. It’s encouraging to see a shift toward reusing and recycling materials like gift bags and wrapping paper, which helps reduce the environmental impact of the season.”

Sustainability Takes Center Stage in Gift-Giving

Holiday gifting trends are showing a shift toward more environmentally mindful practices. The study indicates that a significant number of Americans take sustainability into account when purchasing gifts and try to avoid items with excessive packaging. Additionally, experiences are increasingly favored as gifts, with many respondents expressing a preference for them over material items, often considering environmental impact as an influencing factor.

And gifts don’t necessarily have to be new or store-bought. Many Americans expressed openness to more sustainable gift exchanges, including options like handmade or regifted items.

The movement toward handmade, repurposed, or experience-based gifting highlights a desire to reduce waste while creating meaningful connections. Consumers increasingly prioritize quality over quantity, opting for gifts with thought and intention.

Holiday Meals: Local and Mindful

Sustainability is not limited to gifts; it’s also reshaping holiday feasts. According to the survey, 60% of Americans prioritize locally grown ingredients for holiday meals, and 61% have implemented strategies to minimize food waste, such as smarter meal planning and using leftovers.

In a city like Atlanta, known for its farmers’ markets and farm-to-table offerings, residents have the opportunity to source ingredients locally, potentially reducing transportation needs and emphasizing community connections during holiday meals.

Small Changes Can Shape a Greener Future

As sustainability becomes top of mind for Americans, the task ahead can still seem daunting. To make an impact, Rice encourages Americans to start by thinking small. “These simple habits demonstrate how small, thoughtful changes can collectively reduce holiday waste and set things up for a more mindful and sustainable future,” said Rice.

Then, adding creativity can help change your perspective and see new opportunities. “Americans are rethinking how we wrap gifts, define and prioritize gifts, and are becoming more thoughtful about how our foods are sourced and prepared,” explained Rice. “This shift in perspective comes through in the way modern consumers are showing a remarkable willingness to adapt their habits in ways that honor both the environment and the spirit of the holidays.”

Finally, don’t underestimate how your choices can influence others, creating a ripple effect throughout your family, friends, and community. “It’s inspiring to see this momentum toward eco-conscious living, proving that embracing sustainable practices is not only practical but also deeply rewarding, and something that’s within reach of all of us,” said Rice.

Atlanta: A Hub for Sustainable Innovation

As home to ALPLA’s North America headquarters, Atlanta is recognized for its growing focus on sustainable initiatives. Efforts such as ALPLA’s work in recycling and promoting a circular economy contribute to the city’s reputation as a center for green technology and corporate responsibility.

Through initiatives like Plastic Reimagined, its educational site, ALPLA provides consumers tips about creating a more sustainable world. 

The company also brought sustainability to the streets of Atlanta this past Summer, inviting artist Hyland Mather to create an art installation called ‘Nice Time’ in Midtown’s Atlanta Colony Square. 

The art piece was crafted using type 1, 2, and 5 recyclable plastics, incorporating materials found around Atlanta by Mather and gathered by ALPLA employees. Created in a public setting, the project allowed individuals to observe the process of repurposing used plastics into an artistic creation.

“Reimagining our relationship with common and necessary materials is part of our responsibility in the world. It’s a Nice Time to wake up, be thankful, and be the change we need to be to help our planet,” explained Mather.

Rice concluded, “ALPLA is deeply committed to the transformative power of the circular economy as a company that uses and processes recycled plastics. We invite you to join us in our commitment to creating a better world together.”

Published by Iris S.