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If you want to go green this Christmas and are on the lookout for simple tips, or are just hooked on the sustainability thing, we will help you celebrate an eco-friendly Christmas. From sourcing sustainable trees and reducing food waste to fair trade, eco-friendly gifts, you can reduce your impact on the earth this Christmas by following these tips. |
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You can also hire a tree, which is even better. It is not that difficult to find a Christmas tree on rent. Once the festive season is over you can send it back. To use for next Christmas they will replant it.
CHOOSE DECORATIONS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME
Instead of opting for non-recyclable decorations made using PVC or plastic opt for decorations made from glass, recycled wood, and fabric. Opt for classic designs while choosing decorations so that they will be loved for years. If you go for trendy pieces, by next Christmas they will be out of vogue.
THINK TWICE ABOUT GIFT WRAPPING
After sorting the gifts, it’s time to think about environmentally friendly gift wrap. We suggest a few eco friendly options:
Recycle and reuse ribbons, tissue paper and gift bags from last Christmas. If you didn’t save any from last Christmas you can start doing it from this year onwards.
To wrap your gift choose a beautiful scarf made of cloth – for the 2-in-1 present, the receiver will thank you. A good place to shop for them are second hand and charity shops.
To wrap gifts use brown paper. With raffia or string, tie everything together. For a pretty finish spruce up with pine tree sprigs.
While buying wrapping bags look for the reusable tag.
Choose wrapping paper that is free of glitter or foil as they cannot be recycled.
TO REDUCE WASTE, PLAN YOUR CHRISTMAS DINNER CAREFULLY
Nobody wants the food to run out when the party is still on. So, ahead of the big day, hosts tend to over-buy food, which leads to a staggering amount of food going waste. To avoid this Christmas nightmare create a list before you go shopping. This will ensure that there is no panic buying and wastage of food.
If there are leftovers do not dump them in the bin. You can refrigerate them and use the next day. This way you can reduce the wastage of food.
SOURCE INGREDIENTS CONSCIOUSLY AND REDUCE MEAT
For meat lovers this is going to be difficult. When consumed in large quantities it can have a negative impact on the earth. So at least they can consider reducing the amount of meat that they serve and eat during the festive period.
There are many delicious veggie options so to begin with why not cut down one meaty dish this year. You will also have the satisfaction that no animal had to suffer because of you.
We can reduce our impact on the plant if we are a little more conscious about where we get our food from. An easy way to make sure that potentially dangerous pesticides were not used during the cultivation process is by opting for veg and organic meat. If possible try to source food locally. You will find a lot of products in your local farmers’ market.
WHILE CHRISTMAS SHOPPING TAKE REUSABLE BAGS
Avoid plastic packaging and bags while shopping in a supermarket.
Now, people have started using reusable bags more and more, which is a good sign. To reduce plastic consumption make sure you carry your own cloth bags.
CONSIDER YOUR CHRISTMAS CARD LIST
Another simple option to reduce waste is to avoid sending physical Christmas cards. Write an email or opt for an e-card, or just call people, which will be more appreciated than a card. Can’t do away with Christmas cards? Then use cards made with recycled paper.
You can recycle and reuse the cards you receive. Surprised? Cut it out and use it as a gift tag or use it as a postcard by cutting off the front.
WHEN HOSTING USE ECO FRIENDLY DISPOSABLE CUPS, CROCKERY AND CUTLERY
Disposable cups, crockery and cutlery are an easy solution if you’re hosting lots of family and friends over Christmas. When the party is over you simply throw them in the bin. However, remember that most of them end up going straight to landfill and most of these items available in the market are non recyclable. So look for recyclable plastic when shopping for disposable items.
Another alternative is to use ceramic crockery. If you don’t have enough you can ask family and friends attending the party to bring their plates. After the party, you can return them. Yet another option is to take crockery on rent. You will find plenty of options.
REPLACE YOUR ADVENT CALENDAR WITH A REUSABLE OPTION
Advent calendars are a big part of the build up to Christmas for many children and adults. By making a slight change you can stick to the tradition and also be more eco-conscious.
Make your own calendar instead of buying it. You can also invest in a reusable calendar.
You can fill it with whatever takes your fancy. It can be bath bombs, Lego, fruit, gin miniatures, cheese… you name it.
MAKE SURE YOUR CHRISTMAS LIGHTS ARE LEDs
Ensuring your Christmas lights are LEDs is an easy change that everyone can make this Christmas. You can cut down energy consumption during the festive season by taking this small step and at the same time, it’ll make no difference to your experience of Christmas.
LED lights last 25 times longer and cuts power consumption by 75 percent. This way you can save money and energy.
MAKE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS WREATH
Instead of plastic wreaths make your own using the real thing which is better for the environment and much cheaper. From the local park or your own garden you can collect fallen sprigs of winter greenery like eucalyptus, pine and holly. It will be a lot of fun but won’t cost a penny.
You will find lot of DIY tutorials online on how to make simple Christmas wreaths.
This Christmas try to follow at least a few of these tips to reduce your impact on the environment. And celebrate a clean and green Christmas.
Happy Holidays!