87% of Americans Reuse Gift Wrapping This Year as Holiday Green Habits Soar, New ALPLA Survey Shows

ALPLA survey shows that 61% of Americans are prioritizing sustainable gifts and 65% are choosing experiences over items as they reimagine holiday traditions for a greener season

A new survey by ALPLA, a global leader in packaging and recycling solutions, reveals that sustainability is playing an increasingly central role in how Americans celebrate this holiday season. From reusing gift wrap to prioritizing eco-conscious gifts and meals, consumers are demonstrating that festive traditions and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand.

ALPLA’s 2024 Sustainable Holidays Survey, conducted by the third-party platform Pollfish, surveyed 600 U.S. adults. The findings explore consumer habits around three key aspects of the holidays: purchasing gifts, giving gifts and preparing holiday meals.

Highlights from the report include:

• 87% of Americans reuse gift bags, ribbons and wrapping paper, while 60% recycle wrapping materials during the holiday season.
• 61% of respondents consider sustainability when purchasing gifts, and 64% actively avoid over-packaged products.
• 65% prefer giving experiences over physical items, with many citing sustainability as a key factor.
• 50% prioritize locally grown ingredients for holiday meals, and 61% have implemented changes to minimize food waste.

Consumers are increasingly finding ways to incorporate sustainability into their holiday traditions, from reusing materials to making thoughtful decisions about gifts and meals. These habits show a growing awareness of the environmental impact of holiday traditions and a willingness to make more mindful choices.

“Sustainability has become a cornerstone of how we celebrate and preserve our holiday traditions,” said Billy Rice, Sustainability Manager at ALPLA, North America. “Our survey shows that Americans are embracing habits that honor both the environment and the holiday spirit. We’re seeing a collective shift toward greener living, demonstrating that sustainable practices are not just achievable–they’re deeply fulfilling and can bring new meaning as Americans give our world the gift of a better future.”

The full 2024 Sustainable Holidays Survey report is available on ALPLA’s Plastic Reimagined website.