Keeping the Season Green
The holidays have a way of lighting up our lives — sparkling lights, cozy gatherings, thoughtful gifts, and time shared with loved ones. Yet as beautiful as the season can be, it can also be one of the most resource-heavy times of the year. From excess packaging and food waste, to energy use and travel, our celebrations often come at a high environmental cost.
At Sweet Farm, we believe that joy and sustainability can (and should!) grow together. This month, we’re sharing ways to make your holiday season brighter for the planet, while keeping the warmth, flavor, and generosity that make it special.
1. Rethink the Gift of Giving
Gift-giving is a wonderful tradition — but it doesn’t have to come wrapped in waste. Here are a few thoughtful ideas to make your presents more meaningful and sustainable this year:
Give experiences, not things. Consider gifting a virtual or in-person farm tour, a class on gardening or plant-based cooking, or a sponsor a rescued animal in someone’s name. Experiences create lasting memories and none of the clutter.
Shop locally and mindfully. Purchase items that are sourced responsibly and transparently, and produced sustainably. Support nearby artisans, farms, and eco-conscious businesses. Every dollar spent locally strengthens your community and reduces shipping emissions. (SCROLL DOWN FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $450 IN COMPASSIONATE SHOPPING)
Get creative with wrapping. Reuse kraft paper, old maps, fabric, or newspaper. Add natural touches like rosemary sprigs, dried oranges, or twine for a rustic, low-waste look.
Consider the animals. Avoid gifts made with leather, wool, fur, or other animal-derived materials — all very resource-intensive and cruelly obtained — and opt for more compassionate and sustainable alternatives like organic cotton, hemp, or recycled textiles.
This year, Sweet Farm’s “Make Spirits Bright” giving tree offers the perfect way to give back.
Each colorful paper ornament in our Main Street window represents a real gift to rescued animals — food, care, and love — while supporting our sustainable farming and education programs, and providing fresh produce to our community. Sponsor an ornament in your name or in honor of someone special, and make spirits bright.
3. Decorate with Nature and Intention
A sustainable home can still sparkle! Here are a few ways to deck your halls while caring for the planet:
Choose natural décor. Forage fallen pinecones, evergreen branches, and seed pods to create beautiful and organic centerpieces or wreaths.
DIY your ornaments. Upcycle last year’s decorations, repurpose fabric scraps, or create ornaments from dried fruit and herbs.
Use LED or solar-powered lights. They use up to 80% less energy and last far longer.
Bring plants inside. Potted herbs or small evergreens can double as decorations and gifts when the season ends.
Small shifts like these make your home festive, fragrant, and earth-friendly.
Don’t Forget Mother Nature This Season
1. Grow Joy Year-Round
Even in the chill of late fall, there’s plenty to do in your garden — and every small step helps build a thriving, sustainable ecosystem for spring. Here are some simple, eco-friendly ways to stay connected to the soil this season:
Mulch generously. Add a thick layer of straw, leaves, or wood chips around perennials, shrubs, and trees to insulate roots and prevent erosion.
Compost quietly. Winter composting still works! Keep your pile moist and aerated, and cover it with straw or cardboard to trap warmth.
Plant cover crops. If your soil isn’t frozen, consider winter rye, vetch, or clover — they’ll protect against nutrient loss and add organic matter come spring.
2. Support Wildlife
Winter can be tough on pollinators and birds — lend them a hand.
Leave the leaves. Skip the cleanup in part of your yard; fallen leaves shelter beneficial insects and overwintering pollinators.
Provide food and water. Hang seed feeders and keep a shallow dish of unfrozen water available for birds.
Add habitat. Brush piles, native grasses, and log stacks create safe spaces for small creatures.
3. Grow Indoors
Bring the joy of growing inside where it’s warm!
Start herbs on a windowsill. Parsley, basil, and mint thrive in sunny kitchens.
Propagate houseplants. Many species root easily in water — a great way to expand your green space or share plants with friends.
Even when the ground is resting, the garden is still alive — and so is your connection to it.
