Dreaming of a Green Christmas?
The Christmas ads are filling our screens, and the shelves in the shops are stacked high with gifts, but what is important to you this Christmas? We asked our B Corp champion, Loopy, how she intends to spend Christmas and what's important to her.
Whilst I don't want to come across as the Grinch, I think we can all enjoy Christmas without it having to be at the cost of the planet and all that is precious to us. Living in the countryside, I see ways to make Christmas special without huge financial outlay or buying quick, frankly needless items that our costing the planet. Here are some of my favourite tips.
Deck the Halls with Eco-friendly Decorations
Begin your thoughtful Christmas journey by decorating your home with eco-friendly and sustainable ornaments. Take yourself for a walk; you'll be amazed at what you can forage, from ivy, holly, dried grasses and pinecones. All can look so beautiful with a little crafting! It can also be a wholesome family activity!
Choose Sustainable Gifts
The old adage buy once, buy well always rings true. Look for quality, not quantity, this Christmas; think about giving gifts that align with your values and putting the time into picking a quality item that will last a long time. Remember you don't have to throw money at a situation; homemade gifts show thought and can be a wallet-friendly way of showing love to friends and family. Another gift idea is pledges( days out, a special meal, helping in the garden). How can you put a smile on a loved one's face? It's not always about the money!
Support Local Businesses
I love to shop locally. By purchasing gifts from local independent and small businesses, you can support your community and reduce your carbon footprint. There are sure to be lots of local craft fairs, farmers' markets, and foodie fayres over the coming months, and they need your help!
Wrap with Reusable Materials
Traditional wrapping paper often ends up in landfill, around 2.3 million pounds worth each year! Opt for reusable wrapping ideas like cloth, or upcycle scarves or other material you no longer need and get creative.
Green Your Christmas Tree
If you love the tradition of having a Christmas tree, consider a live potted tree that can be planted in your garden after the holidays. I like to decorate my tree with homemade, biodegradable ornaments, again another way to celebrate with your little ones and create memories that will last longer than a box of baubles!
Plan Thoughtful Feasts
Christmas feasts are a time for indulgence, but you can still make eco-conscious choices. Buy locally sourced and, of course, seasonal ingredients; your local farmer needs you! Minimise food waste by resisting the temptation to have too much food and find creative ways to use leftovers. I'll be posting some over the coming weeks. Of course, anything that can't be reused should be added to the compost heap!
Reduce Energy Consumption
We are all trying to reduce our energy this year. So remember to turn off Christmas lights and decorations when they're not in use, or consider using a timer or smart plugs.
Finally, remember that Christmas is about more than just "stuff" and embrace the spirit of the season by enjoying a winter walk, sharing time with friends and giving some time where you can to others less fortunate.