Tips to Have a Green Christmas – Show Extra Care to the Environment During Holiday Season
Christmas is one of the most wonderful times of the year, but it does not have to be a burden on the planet we call home. Along with magic and love, the holiday season often brings consumerism, un-friendly decor, and trash. So why not make this Christmas environment-friendly? Now you must be thinking about how to have a green Christmas?
With little imagination and effort, we can reduce the impact of this holiday season on the environment. Here is an article with some ideas to show extra care to the environment while celebrating Christmas.
Tips to Have a Green Christmas
Do you know Americans throw away around 25% more trash during the holiday period from Thanksgiving to New Year’s? Yes, you read it right. This extra trash amounts to around 25 million tons of garbage (Source). Now you may have got an idea of the negative impact of the holiday season on our environment.
How to be green on Christmas? Christmas may be focussed on trees, but it is not at all a green holiday. From non-recyclable wrapping papers and wasteful purchases to the high electricity bills and disposable partyware, the holiday season can negatively affect the environment. Read the article to discover ten amazing and easy ways to have an eco-friendly Christmas.
Make Your Own Gifts
Some holiday gifts are just a practical need; however, some gifts are really meaningful and an amazing gesture of thoughtfulness. You can give your loved ones something really meaningful by spending less.
This Christmas, instead of purchasing new gifts, craft your own gits. This is one of the best ideas to celebrate a green Christmas. Making your own gifts can be an amazing experience, and personal gifts are always precious as well as meaningful.
You can make green Christmas gifts by using sustainable and recycled materials. Try making scented pomanders, herbed sugars and salts for baking, or tiny terrariums.
Consider Shopping for Used
Another best green Christmas gift idea is to buy used. Now you must be thinking that it would be weird to give something used. But be more creative. Check out the antique stores. You can find amazing deals on unusual and unique items in various online and offline stores.
You can find unique gifts like pottery, vintage dishes, jewelry, and retro outerwear. These gifts are not only useful but also thoughtful. These green Christmas gifts are best to save money while reducing your carbon footprint at the same time.
Make Recycled Gift Wraps
Did you know that some gift wrappings used on Christmas are not even recyclable? Yes, you read it right. Moreover, half of the paper that is consumed in America every year is used to decorate and wrap consumer products. Say no to metallic and glossy foil paper this year to make your Christmas eco-friendly.
You can opt for gift wraps made of fibers like hemp, or you can also use paper made from recycled content. Moreover, you can also create gift wraps from brown craft papers or recycled shopping bags. You can also enhance the packaging by making stamps from veggies like potatoes.
If you want to be more creative, then you can use fabric scraps or old calendars, posters, and more. This is one of the best ways to celebrate a green Christmas.
Shop from Local Stores
In today’s marketplace, many gifts come from halfway around the globe. The impact of transportation remarkably contributes to global warming and greenhouse emissions. Instead of opting for such gifts, buy the one from local stores.
Local artisan shops and craft fairs are a good source of gifts that do not have any added cost of transportation. Buying gifts from local stores not only reduce emissions but also supports a sustainable economy. If you really want to support the local artisans, buy gifts from local boutiques, family-owned businesses, or farmer’s markets. Here you can find unique gifts.
Moreover, opt for buying gifts that are made from recycled sources. Many local stores and small businesses develop beautiful gifts using recycled materials.
Alternatives to Christmas Trees
According to the U.S. Agriculture Department, in 2017, around 15,094,678 Christmas trees were cut down by Americans (Source). Yes, you read it right. Moreover, these trees are disposed of after use. Cutting down trees is always bad for the environment.
Heady fir and pine are some of the best evocative for Christmas. However, these beautiful trees are kept on display only for a few weeks, and then they are discarded at the curb. Instead of doing this, it is a better idea to purchase a live potted tree. It is the best way to celebrate green Christmas.
In case you live in a small space, you can create a sustainable Christmas tree by beautifully decorating a potted plant. Or you can also buy a tree made of wood or cardboard. It will last for years. In case you are looking for a more sustainable choice for an eco-friendly Christmas, opt for wreaths and swags. They are made for the boughs of live trees, and the best thing about them is that they can be harvested again.
Say No to Disposables
Disposables make a remarkable contribution to the trash that is produced every year on Christmas. So instead of using disposable cups, plastic silverware, and paper napkins. Use cloth napkins and dishes. They are reusable, which makes them the best alternative and are best for green holidays,
You can buy charming mismatched sets of china dishes and sets from thrift stores. In case it is a must for you to use disposable, opt for unbleached compostable products that break down easily compared to the conventional disposables.
Use Recycled and Natural Decorations
Decorations are a must on Christmas. They are fun and help to create strong festive vibes. So why not make the decorations environment friendly this time for an eco-friendly Christmas. This year, make your own decorations like recycled cardboard Christmas village, re-use old cards, or upcycled wreaths. You can also use seasonal and sustainable materials that are collected from nature like holly, pinecones, and pine boughs.
Use LED Lights for Holiday Lighting
Gone are the days when decorative holiday lights were considered the best. But now the times have changed. Decorative lights increase the cost of electricity way beyond the utility bill. Another negative effect of this lighting is that electricity drains natural resources.
A small and creative presentation of lights can also be attractive. You can use LED lights for the decoration of Christmas trees and your house. LED lights use around 95% less energy as compared to traditional bulbs. They use energy a hundred times less than the holiday lights and ten times less than the mini bulbs. So, using LED lights is another best way to have a green Christmas.
Save Energy
Saving energy is one of the best ways to make your Christmas eco-friendly. Don’t leave the outdoor Christmas decoration lights on all day. Instead, turn them off during the daytime. You can also buy and set a tome in case you have a large outdoor display. Or simply turn on the lights during dusk.
You can also turn off the lights when everyone’s gone to bed. It is the best way to save energy. Make sure not to install lights that have power on. Test the lights and then unplug them to install. Moreover, you can also use Christmas flowers for magical decorations.
Burn Clean
Candles are best to provide warm light on the dark and chilly winter days. So, this Christmas, instead of opting for candles that are made from petroleum-derived paraffin, opt for candles made of soy or vegetable wax or beeswax. It is another best way to have a green Christmas. The bonus of using candles made of beeswax is that they have a mesmerizing aroma that will scent your home amazingly.
Donate
It has happened to all of us; many times, we receive gifts that we do not like but keep them anyway. This holiday season, make sure to start by cleaning your closet and donating unwanted gifts and clothes to local charities. Winter is cold and unwanted clothes are always in demand at this time of the year. After the holidays, make the second round of donations by donating gifts and products that were replaced by a new purchase. A little donation can mean a lot to someone, and it can make a big difference.
Final Words
Our land and ocean both are full of waste. Our irresponsibility is severely affecting our environment and spoiling our planet. Therefore, it is crucial to take the necessary steps to show some care to our environment. By celebrating green Christmas, we can reduce our carbon footprints and reduce the impact of the holiday season on the environment. If you find the information helpful, drop a comment.
