10 steps for an eco-friendly Christmas
Christmas time is the period when people buy a lot of stuff that will be thrown away the day after Christmas. And this is a sad side of every holiday.
Though the ecological theme is among trending topics, our kids mostly learn from us. Children may read lots of books about ecological problems and do a lot of educational activities. But let’s be frank: it won’t work if you don’t care about ecology in your family.
Here are 10 steps on how to celebrate Christmas and to care about our planet!
Use recycled paper or fabric to wrap gifts. Most of the packing tapes and bags are used only once and then thrown away without any sorrow. If you have received a gift wrapped in non-ecological material, try to use it again according to purpose or as a material for children crafts.
Buy or create a wreath made of natural materials. Natural pine cones and acorns look much better than plastic ones. If you keep it in a dry but cool place through the year, it will survive a dozen Christmases.
Try a reusable advent calendar. You may fill it with a variety of gifts but make sure you’ll be able to reuse it next year.
That’s a great option because you won’t have to think about a different design of the calendar and where to find it. If you like to invent family activities you may think about different advent-tasks every year.
Try to reduce your food waste. We know it’s a hard task, especially when you are having a party, and you never know how many people will join you. If it’s hard to foresee the number of guests, and you have excess food, try the app that will help you to share with the people in need. For example, Olio app. It’s free and works worldwide.
Try to choose plastic-free gifts. It may not be possible, because your kid has asked for some plastic toy in the letter to Santa. It’s okay. But when he or she gets a new toy, try to discuss if there are some old toys to recycle or some games to exchange with other children?
Check out if there is a possibility to rent a Christmas tree in the place you live. It’s a great possibility to have all the advantages of a real Christmas tree in your home without wasting the tree. In some countries, there are local farms that can bring you the tree and then replant it.
Try not to use tinsel and rethink your Christmas tree decorations.
Perhaps it’s time to start a new tradition and create a collection of Christmas toys that will be dear to your heart. Be creative and make some cute paper toys with your child. Or decorate your tree with cookies and candies.
Choose LED Christmas lights instead of its incandescent equivalent. They use up to 80% less energy. Don’t forget to turn off your Christmas lights overnight and when you are out of the house.
Cut your old Christmas cards to create tags or design a new postcard in a collage technique.
Don’t buy things just because it’s traditional if no one in your family really enjoys them. Think about quality not quantity and don’t forget about the main meaning of this holiday. Staying together with your family and sharing the warmth of your hearts is the biggest gift.
Have a green, joyful and merry Christmas!