PREPARING FOR A GREENER CHRISTMAS
With just a few small changes and a bit of planning we can make this Christmas just a bit more environmentally friendly. Here are some tips:
The tree and decorations: Consider a living tree that can be planted in the yard after Christmas. If using a fresh cut tree, consider placing it in the yard with popcorn and cranberry garlands for birds or allow the city to collect the tree for mulch. Replace old lights with LED lights. Reduce the number of outdoor lights and use LED’s. Decorate the tree with DIY ornaments from paper, felt, crocheted snowflakes, etc. Resist buying new plastic ornaments.
The gifts: Consider giving experiences instead of things. To try to reduce the number of gifts, families might decide on drawing names or agree upon gifts for children (for example one toy, one needed item like a coat and one educational gift). In purchasing gifts, shop with durability in mind. If batteries are involved, buy those that can be recharged. Consider a gift of reusable shopping bags, especially mesh bags for veggies and fruit (reduces # of plastic bags used), reusable mugs, metal reusable straw and traveling bamboo fork and spoon. Honor a loved one with a donation to a charity (see announcement for the Alternative Christmas Market). A gift for the home might be a tree or bush for the yard or a programmable thermostat (as little as two degrees reduces heating costs).
The gift wrap: Think about using last year’s Christmas cards to decorate paper bags to hold gifts—reuse. Wrap gifts in another gift. Tea towels, scarves and tops make good wraps. Paper grocery bags work well, too. Decorating them is fun for kids. Unwrap gifts with the idea of reusing the paper next year.
The food: Plan ahead for holiday meals and go shopping with a complete list. Keep in mind leftover meals. Plan for more veggies and less meat (not hard with today’s prices). Store food carefully. Take your own containers for uneaten food when eating out (this reduces use of clam shells made of Styrofoam).
Stress Busters: Take time out each day for prayer, especially as family gathers around the Advent wreath. When stressed, practice deep-breathing. Inhale God’s love, exhale stressful thoughts.
Earth Steward Activity: How many of the above list can you fit into your Christmas planning this year?
Sources: Tidbit Archives and Https://www.oceanblueproject.org/how-to-have-s-green-christmas/