SEASONAL SUSTAINABILITY

Promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability are cornerstones of 4-H locally, nationally, and in the pledge – “My health to better living”. For 2025, 4-H explored learning the importance and responsibility of sustainable choices. See Buy Less, Choose Well, Make It Last article from March. So, as we approach the holidays and celebrations of the “brrr” months (November and December), there are many opportunities for smart resource use.

Foods for a Florida Thanksgiving — Celebrate Florida’s harvest by buying local.

November – Thanksgiving

Food is often the centerpiece of a Thanksgiving celebration. In my family it’s a whole roasted turkey and all the trimmings, but it is also a time dedicated to valuing family, friends, and community.

Shop Locally

Buying local supports farmers in the community and ensures the freshest ingredients. Florida produces many Thanksgiving staples – potatoes, green beans, and sweet corn.

Traditions

Celebrate with family and friends. This holiday is founded on a spirit of generosity and gratitude, where the simplest traditions have the most meaning.

Plan Together

Hand-made decorations share a commitment to tradition and create keepsakes for generations to share. Through the 4-H pledge of “My heart to greater loyalty” youth and adults commit to improve their communities and care for others.

Holiday tree decorated with chickens — Decorate the season.

December – Christmas and New Year’s

In Citrus County 4-H, December is overflowing with commitments to the last “H” or “My hands to larger service.” This promise, by members, is to serve their communities and with that service lift-up those in need. Here, youth continue the commitment to celebrate nature’s bounty and reduce the use of plastic and synthetic materials. Packaging and wrapping are two challenges during the December holidays. Below are some ideas to reduce these challenges:

Make It Personal

Give gifts that don’t require wrapping. A personalized wreath can be hung on a door or a wall and is ideal for encouraging creativity in our youngest 4-H members. Made from natural materials they are easily recycled after the holidays.

Share the Season

Continue the theme of using nature throughout the celebration of the seasons, by using Cedar tree “cookies” to create unique and personalized ornaments to share with family and friends.

young girl with holiday wreath — Make a holiday wreath.

Make It Nature

Hand-made ornaments reduce the use of plastics. Focus on forest products and natural fibers (native grasses). Consider using American Holly (Ilex opaca), Southern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana), and Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora). Burlap is a nice accent, and it has many uses after the holidays are over.

Holiday tree made from wood — Creative recycling of a wooden pallet.

Take that creativity outside by building yard decorations from recycled pallets. These can be donated to retirement facilities, community associations, or given out to recognize supporters in the community.