The holiday season is a time of celebration, and it's also a perfect opportunity to embrace sustainability and contribute to important conservation efforts. One meaningful way to get involved is through the Christmas Bird Count (CBC), the longest-running community science project in North America. Held annually from December 14th to January 5th, the CBC invites people to help monitor bird populations by counting every bird they see within a designated area. Whether you choose to join a local birdwatching group or simply observe a birdfeeder in your backyard, your participation contributes valuable data on birds in their winter ranges across North America. Visit their website to see the dates and locations of CBC Circles in Manitoba, and to find a CBC Circle near you!
The holiday season is also a time for mindful shopping, where you can make sustainable choices that reduce waste and environmental impact. From choosing durable gifts and supporting local vendors, to decorating with natural materials and recycling holiday trees, there are many ways to make this season both festive and eco-friendly. Here are some ways you can help:
- Give quality over quantity. Buy fewer, higher quality items and consider purchasing experiences over material goods. For example, tickets to movies, concerts, and workshops at your local zoos and museums all make thoughtful gifts.
- Fold and reuse wrapping paper or choose paper without glossy coatings so that it can be recycled. Consider wrapping gifts with newspaper or magazine pages.
- Shop local to minimize the carbon footprint of shipping items, and to support local businesses. For example, check out Christmas markets and second-hand stores to find unique items close to home.
- Avoid decorating with plastic tinsel. Instead, make your home festive with natural materials, such as evergreen boughs, popcorn and cranberry garland, twine, and dried citrus fruit slices.
- If you buy a real Christmas tree, keep it out of the landfill by recycling or composting it. The city of Winnipeg’s "Let’s Chip In” program recycles Christmas trees into woodchip mulch.
Together, these actions—whether counting birds or making thoughtful, sustainable purchases—can help protect the environment while creating meaningful holiday experiences.
