4 Surprising Ways Holiday Waste Impacts Wildlife (+ How You Can Help!)

Written By Julianne .

The holiday season is a time for celebration, but it’s also a time of increased waste. In fact, Americans generate 25% more trash between Thanksgiving and New Year’s—waste that has hidden consequences for wildlife. From plastic pollution to food waste, our holiday habits can harm ecosystems in ways we might not realize. Let’s explore four major impacts of holiday waste on wildlife and simple swaps to reduce your footprint while still enjoying the season.

Plastic Pollution

The holidays bring an abundance of single-use plastic in the form of gift wrap, packaging, and disposable decorations. Much of this waste ends up in landfills or waterways. Plastic debris does not decompose, but eventually breaks down into tiny plastic particles, called microplastics. These tiny particles leech into the soil and water systems, harming life from each direction: land, air, and water. Studies show that microplastics may cause liver and cell damage, as well as damage reproductive systems.

the ripple effect

  • Marine Life: Scientists have found plastics in 86% of sea turtles and 43% of all marine species. Sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish, which can lead to choking or starvation.

  • Birds: Studies show that 90% of seabirds have ingested plastic, which can block their digestive tracts and lead to death.

  • Land Animals: Animals like deer and elk can become entangled in plastic, like discarded nylon rope, which can restrict movement and lead to choking or starvation. Plastics that have been ingested can cause intestinal blockages, leading to internal bleeding and organ failure.

sustainable swaps

  • Choose compostable gift wrap, such as kraft paper or newspaper.

  • Try out reusable gift wrap options like fabric wraps (furoshiki) or reusable bags.

  • Opt for recyclable or plastic-free decorations like wooden ornaments or paper garlands.

By reducing single-use plastics, we can protect soil fertility and water quality, which is important for the sustained health of humanity and wildlife.

Energy and Light Pollution

Twinkling holiday lights are a hallmark of the season, but they come at an environmental cost. Excessive energy use contributes to carbon emissions, while light pollution disrupts wildlife.

The Ripple Effect

  • Nocturnal Animals: Creatures like bats and owls rely on darkness to hunt and navigate. Bright lights can confuse or deter them, wasting energy and leaving them disadvantaged to predators, reducing their chances of survival.

  • Migratory Birds: 70% of birds in North America are migratory, and 80% of those migrate at night. Artificial lighting can disorient birds, causing the birds to burn valuable energy as they stray from their flight paths. This reduces their chances of finding food at their stopover places and sometimes leads to collisions with bright, high-rise buildings.

Sustainable Swaps

  • Use solar-powered lights or set timers to minimize energy consumption.

  • Reduce outdoor lighting during peak wildlife activity hours, such as late evenings and early mornings (10PM - 6AM).

  • Install down shields and motion detectors on any permanent outdoor lighting to minimize light pollution to the surrounding sky.

These changes not only save energy but also create a more wildlife-friendly environment.

Food Waste

Holiday feasts often lead to excessive food waste. The average family wastes up to 30% of their food during the holiday season. This waste contributes to methane emissions in landfills, exacerbating climate change, which disrupts wildlife habitats.

The Ripple Effect

  • Habitat Loss: Warming climates are shrinking habitats for species like polar bears, whose survival depends on stable ice conditions.

  • Biodiversity Decline: Shifting temperatures and weather patterns impact entire ecosystems, from coral reefs to forests.

Sustainable Swaps

  • Plan meals carefully to avoid overbuying.

  • Donate surplus food to local shelters. Find your closest shelter at Feeding America.

  • Compost scraps to keep organic waste out of landfills and return nutrients to the soil. Make Soil is a great resource to find a local place to take your food scraps if you’re not able to compost at your own home.

By managing food waste, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help mitigate climate change’s impact on wildlife.

Overconsumption & Excessive Buying 

Finally, let’s talk about overconsumption. The holidays fuel a culture of buying more than we need—gifts, decorations, and even clothes for special occasions. The problem? All of this contributes to habitat destruction and pollution, especially in industries like manufacturing and shipping.

The Ripple Effect

For example, mass production of goods often leads to habitat loss for species like orangutans, which are already critically endangered. By rethinking how we shop, we can minimize our impact and still create meaningful holiday experiences.

Sustainable Swaps

  • Give experience-based gifts—like tickets to a local zoo or a hiking trip.  

  • Buy from local artisans or sustainable brands to reduce your carbon footprint.  

  • Prioritize quality over quantity—fewer, more meaningful gifts can make a bigger impact.  

Simple Steps, Big Impact

The holidays are a time for joy, and with a few thoughtful changes, they can also be a time for positive environmental impact. By reducing plastic use, conserving energy, and minimizing food waste, we protect the ecosystems that support wildlife and ourselves.

What Can You Do?

  • Start small by implementing one or two swaps this season.

  • Share your sustainable holiday tips with friends and family to inspire change.

  • Reflect on how your everyday choices, even during the holidays, can make a lasting impact on nature.

Together, we can make the holidays brighter—for wildlife and for future generations.

What sustainable swaps will you try this year? Let me know in the comments!

Julianne .