9 tips for a “Green” Christmas

Red bows on the railings, snowflakes on the ground, it’s a green
Christmas in this town.
Christmas is just around the corner and with it comes the
responsibility of rethinking our lifestyle choices and imbibing them in
our Christmas traditions this year.
From sustainable gifts to eco-friendly decorations, Christmas doesn’t
have to be a burden on the planet here so here are 9 tips to celebrate
Christmas while taking care of the environment.

1. Pick a sustainable tree

Get a real tree instead of fake ones to reduce the impact on the
environment as real trees are grown outside, usually on a tree
farm, and provide oxygen, clean the air, and animal habitat,
making them a superior alternative to artificial trees.
If you’re thinking of getting a plastic tree, be sure that you’re
going to use it for at least 10-15 years, or else a sustainable
option would be a better choice

2. Shop locally

This Christmas, show your support for your local stores and
markets. You're more inclined to seek out unique treasures that
you won't find anywhere else, in addition to supporting small
businesses.

3. Use eco-friendly gift decorations

Another important aspect of Christmas is the decorations, and regrettably, many Christmas decorations are harmful to the environment. Avoid decorations made of cheap plastic that is easily broken.

Decorations created from recycled wood, cloth, and glass are excellent alternatives to non-recyclable plastic or PVC.

4. Gift eco-friendly products

When thinking of a gifting idea, choose quality over quantity. Get fewer but better-quality gifts, as it reduces the chances of them ending up in waste. Choose zero-waste or plastic-free products, shop from small businesses, give a handmade gift or gifts that give back like planting trees.

Click Here to learn more eco-friendly Gift ideas

5. Choose sustainable gift-wrapping materials

You can use recyclable paper, brown paper, fabric to wrap gifts instead of the shimmery plastic ones. Switching to brown eco-friendly paper instead will help to minimize the high levels of waste produced at this time of year.  Also, try to reuse your gifting papers from last year. You can also skip plastic tape and ribbons and switch to fabric ribbons and threads instead.

6. Cut food waste

When you’re planning the Christmas dinner and goodies, think ahead of time and don’t over-buy. Consider limiting the quantity of meat consumed not just on Christmas Day, but throughout the holiday season, as we become more aware of the environmental consequences of huge amounts of meat consumption.

7. Lower the impact of holiday lighting

Electricity drains natural resources and the cost of electricity goes way beyond the utility bill. The times have changed now and while becoming climate-conscious, you should take measures to cut down the electricity usage this year by reducing the size of outdoor lightings, using LED lights for decorations, and turning off the lights at bedtime.

8. Use natural candles

Candles are a significant part of Christmas, and whether you use them for advent or just to make a room seem cozier in the winter, it's important to consider their influence on pollution levels and your health.

We encourage switching to natural wax candles instead of paraffin-based candles since they are more sustainable and healthier.

9. Think about your outfit

Try to resist the temptation of getting a splashy and sequin-y outfit and go for a rather sustainable one.

Be it giving joy, love, or gifts, Christmas is a festival of giving, so this year let’s give something back to the environment by opting for these sustainable choices and celebrating consciously. Here’s wishing you a merry but a green Christmas.