The Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, is a rich cultural celebration in Mexico and across the world, known for its vibrant colors, heartfelt altars, and honoring of ancestors. As more people look to celebrate mindfully, there’s an increasing interest in eco-friendly ways to uphold these traditions while protecting our planet. Here’s a guide on how to create a more sustainable Día de los Muertos, focusing on eco-conscious materials, sustainable food choices, and honoring the past without compromising our planet’s future.
The Spirit of Día de los Muertos and Eco-Consciousness
Día de los Muertos is a time for remembrance, where families and communities honor the spirits of those who have passed. Traditionally, families create altars, or ofrendas, to welcome the spirits of their loved ones back to the land of the living. But in today’s world, the environmental cost of single-use decorations and imported items adds up. Making mindful choices aligns with the true spirit of the holiday by ensuring that we leave behind a better world for future generations.
Here are some sustainable ways to bring the holiday to life:
1. Crafting Sustainable Altars with Eco-Friendly Décor
One of the most recognizable elements of Día de los Muertos is the colorful altar, decorated with candles, flowers, and memorabilia. Traditionally, many altars are filled with disposable items, but creating a reusable or compostable altar setup can significantly reduce waste.
- Natural Marigolds Over Plastic Flowers: Marigolds, or cempasúchil, are essential for Día de los Muertos altars, symbolizing the fragility of life. Real marigolds add vibrant color and fragrance, making them a perfect alternative to synthetic or plastic flowers. Once the celebration is over, they can be composted, adding nutrients back into the soil.
- Biodegradable Décor: Many decorations, like papel picado (cut-paper banners), can be purchased or made using biodegradable or recyclable paper. Avoiding plastic and other synthetic materials helps reduce landfill waste. If you craft papel picado at home, opt for recycled or natural fibers.
- Reusable Candle Holders and Eco-Friendly Candles: Candles light the way for the spirits, but traditional paraffin candles produce harmful byproducts when burned. Opt for beeswax or soy candles in reusable holders. If you’re feeling creative, you could also make your own candles with natural wax and essential oils.
2. Building Eco-Conscious Ofrendas with Meaningful Items
An ofrenda (offering) is often filled with food, personal items, and memories of the deceased. A sustainable ofrenda can be just as meaningful while having a smaller environmental footprint.
- Natural or Homemade Offerings: Instead of using plastic-wrapped treats or imported goods, opt for local foods or those you make yourself. Traditional items like pan de muerto (bread of the dead) can be baked at home with organic or locally-sourced ingredients, adding an authentic, personal touch to your altar.
- Upcycled and Thrifted Mementos: Use items that belonged to your loved ones or create keepsakes from upcycled materials. For example, a favorite book, piece of clothing, or an item you’ve transformed from reclaimed materials can make the altar feel more personal and reduce the demand for new products.
- Natural Incense or Herbs: Sage, copal, and other herbs are often used to purify the altar space. Instead of commercial incense, which often includes synthetic ingredients, consider using dried herbs from your own garden or a local supplier to keep this part of the tradition eco-friendly.
3. Sourcing Sustainable Food for Día de los Muertos Feasts
Día de los Muertos includes a feast in memory of the deceased’s favorite foods. Choosing local, organic, and plant-based options is a great way to honor the holiday sustainably.
- Plant-Based Mexican Dishes: Dishes like tamales, mole, and fresh tortillas can be made with plant-based ingredients, which have a lower environmental impact than animal products. You can create delicious meat-free versions of these classics that everyone can enjoy.
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: Purchase ingredients from local farmers’ markets or community-supported agriculture (CSA) to cut down on emissions from transportation. Not only will you be supporting local farmers, but you’ll also reduce the carbon footprint of your meal.
- Minimizing Food Waste: Día de los Muertos feasts are often elaborate, but food waste can be an unintended byproduct. Try to prepare only what you’ll use or look up recipes to repurpose leftovers. Compost any organic scraps to enrich the soil for future celebrations.
4. Eco-Friendly Face Paints and Costumes
Face painting, especially the iconic calavera (sugar skull), is a beloved part of Día de los Muertos. However, many commercial face paints contain synthetic chemicals that are harmful to both your skin and the environment.
- Non-Toxic, Homemade Face Paints: Look for non-toxic, natural options that are safe for your skin and the environment. You can even make your own face paint using natural pigments mixed with ingredients like coconut oil.
- DIY and Thrifted Costumes: Instead of purchasing new costumes, consider DIYing your outfit with items you already have or thrifting for unique pieces. Accessories like flower crowns can be made from real or fabric flowers, ensuring you avoid plastics.
5. Passing Down the Tradition of Sustainable Celebrations
Sustainable Día de los Muertos celebrations are not just about protecting the environment but also about passing down eco-conscious values to future generations. Encourage your family and community to incorporate sustainable practices into their traditions. Hosting a Día de los Muertos gathering is a fantastic opportunity to share the significance of the celebration while educating others on how to reduce waste and environmental impact.
- Storytelling and Education: Take time to share stories about your loved ones, and the reasons behind your eco-friendly choices. Show younger family members how to make sustainable décor and food items, turning it into a bonding experience that also fosters environmental responsibility.
- Supporting Local Artisans and Eco-Friendly Vendors: Día de los Muertos often involves purchasing artwork, clothing, or mementos. Opt for items made by local artisans who use sustainable materials. This not only supports the community but also reduces the demand for mass-produced goods that harm the environment.
Honoring Our Loved Ones and Our Planet
By choosing sustainable practices for Día de los Muertos, you’re not only honoring the spirits of the departed but also showing respect for the planet we all share. As the tradition continues to grow globally, a shift toward eco-friendly alternatives ensures that Día de los Muertos remains a celebration of life and legacy, bridging the connection between the past, present, and future.
Embracing eco-conscious choices doesn’t have to detract from the vibrancy or spirit of the holiday. By incorporating sustainable practices into your celebration, you pay homage to both your loved ones and the Earth, allowing Día de los Muertos to truly be a celebration of life in all its forms. This holiday, let the spirits guide us toward a future where tradition and sustainability go hand in hand.
