Yes, there are less than two weeks until Christmas and we're still getting used to the fact that it's been nine months since March. December is usually a month of celebrations, and although we'll continue to celebrate what we should celebrate, it's probably may it not be the same as other years. We recently asked you in Instagram that you shared with us something positive from 2020, to end the year on a good foot and today we want to return the favor by sharing 5 tips that will help you make this Christmas a Eco-friendly Christmas . Let's get started!
Tree or no tree?
In an ideal world, the perfect solution would be to simply not buy a tree at all. And although we're aware that putting up a tree is a rather Anglo-Saxon custom, we can't help but see the magical side of that pine tree with its little lights and various colors.
According to a study made by the Canadian consultancy Ellipsos, an artificial tree would have to be reused for more than 20 years to be more sustainable than buying a freshly cut tree every year. Still, if you have an artificial tree at home, use it until the branches fall off. One of the most sustainable things we can do is not create any unnecessary waste. Of course, if you are going to throw it away, always remember to recycle it well.
As for getting rid of actual trees, there are usually specific programs that convert your tree in mulch or chips . If for whatever reason you do not have access to those services, it is best to do so throw in the compost. And if all you want is to have a plant with lights and you don't care if it's a fir tree or a cactus, Make use of the plants you have at home! We create traditions ourselves, so turn them around and make your own.
Image from The Greener Girl
Speaking of lights…
We know you like them. We do too. They're like fairy tales, magical. But just as they're magical, they're also highly polluting. The good thing is that energy-efficient lights exist and are the perfect solution. In fact, LED lights use the 90% less energy than conventional Christmas lights, and also last many more years. But we repeat: this doesn't mean you have to throw out all the lights you have in your home and replace them with a completely new set. Always use the ones you have until you can no longer use them. Once your time has come, go to the clean point that is closest to you and make sure you throw them where they belong.
If you don't have a timer for your lights yet, what are you waiting for? Not only will you be doing yourself a favor by saving money and time, but you'll be doing it for yourself. a favor to the Planet saving unnecessary energy. Schedule them to turn off during the day and at bedtime.
The fewer decorations, the better
Or as it says Reformation : “Avoid tinsel and other plastic decorations unless you're going to use the same ones every year. Otherwise, they all end up in landfills and Landfills don’t have to be decorated .”
When decorating the table, avoid the use of single-use plastics. Remember that the less waste we generate, the better. The same goes for leftover food you prepare. Don't throw it away! Take it to organizations you trust and give it to those who need it most. Make this difficult year a little less difficult for someone else.
Image from The Future Kept
Be careful with the packaging
Speaking of generating unnecessary waste… let's talk about the concept of 'gift wrapping'. Paper and plastic that is used for a few hours only to be destroyed and thrown away immediately afterwards. The height of waste. And it's not that we don't understand: you want your gifts to look beautiful, of course. But what if we told you there are other ways to do it? You can wrap your gifts with... Newspaper, old magazines, and things you find around the house – from cloths to sheets that you no longer use, towels, fabric scraps… use your imagination! (and Pinterest to inspire you). And of course: reuse The things you already have. Bows, ribbons, gift bags… The important thing is above all avoid metallic foil because that one is not recyclable.
A gift beyond a gift
How many times have you found yourself rushing out the day before to buy the gifts you're missing and buying the first thing you see just to make a good impression? We all want to think those gifts have been used year after year, but chances are they've been sitting in a dark closet since the minute they came out of their wrapping. Giving gifts that aren't actually going to be used It doesn't make much sense , so if you don't know what to give: why not make a donation to a cause that the person in question cares about?
We also know how tempting it is to make a good impression with the small detail of a Christmas card, but the reality is that this tradition is one of the most wasteful. Try to avoid buying them whenever possible, and if you really want to, try to use one that uses FCS-certified paper and soy ink.
