Is it possible to enjoy Christmas in a sustainable way? Another way to celebrate this time of year exists and it can be just as magical and fun, or even more. What do we really like about Christmas? Even if it is the gifts, there is another way to deal with them. Do you want to know the keys to a More sustainable Christmas? These are some:
Buy less but better
It is one of the most repeated tips when talking about a responsible consumption, but we think it is worth remembering one more time. The publicity during the Christmas season is overwhelming, so much so that it ends up creating a need and prompting us to buy things that until then we did not know we needed. Buy only what you need or that gives you some value and use the same strategy when making a gift.
Cook responsibly
When we imagine Christmas we do it surrounded by our family and friends around a table. Food is important in any celebration and Christmas is no exception. A significant sum of the Christmas budget goes to these dinners and lunches. But what we cook not only has an impact on our pockets, it also generates a significant environmental impact.
We consume many products that have a high environmental cost, such as meat, seafood or fish. Did you know that some typical ingredients on Christmas menus travel more than 5.000 km before reaching the plate? To avoid this, try creating menus from seasonal ingredients, local. Not only will it be good for your pocket, it will also have a positive impact on the local economy and the planet.
In addition to choosing the right ingredients, choosing the right amounts contributes to a more sustainable Christmas. Manage Christmas menus like you manage weekly menus. Think about them in advance, calculate the ingredients and make your shopping list. Only then is it possible avoid food waste, so common on these dates.
Bet on a creative decoration
The tree is a symbol of our Christmas, but is it really essential? So betting on a natural tree as on a plastic one has clear buts when it comes to sustainability. We are little aware, moreover, that it is in China and with terrible working conditions that most of the products are manufactured. plastic ornaments with which we usually decorate both the tree and our homes.
We do not want to discourage you. If you like to decorate your house at Christmas there are other ways to do it. You yourself can make your christmas decorations using natural materials or others that you have at home. You can take a walk in the countryside to collect branches, pinecones and other natural materials and then bring out your creative side. If you have children it will be a great way in addition to enjoying a morning or afternoon with them, at the same time that you teach them another way of doing things.
As for lighting, to spend as little energy as possible, the ideal would be bet on LED lights which spend up to 85% less of energy than traditional ones. In addition, it will be interesting not only to limit the number of lights but also the time they are on, reducing it to specific and special moments.
Buy local talent
There are small brands and businesses who make great efforts to produce here and generate wealth around us. Don't you think this is a good time to give them back that effort? Buying local talent drives the economy around you, thus helping to improve your environment.
You also buy products generally unique and limited edition. You can buy and give away using these brands beautiful and practical objects for everyday use: ceramic pieces, notebooks, blankets, cushions, toys, chairs, aprons…. But also sustainable hygiene products that can help another person make positive changes in their life, quality fashion products that do not understand the seasons, services or experiences.
Products from: Gaialab, Clarina Ceramics, la.tutu.la, Nonibarea and Pizpireta Get used to looking at the information of each brand and reading the labels. It's important to know where and how it was manufactured each product and if in its production process it has been possible to harm the environment and some human being. And yes, it is also important to know how it will affect the environment once we use it.
Take care of the way you wrap gifts
Wrappers can be practical too. The wooden boxes and natural fiber baskets can be used later to store things or serve as a bed for dogs and cats. It is also possible to wrap gifts in handkerchiefs and cloths using the furoshiki technique. So you will have two gifts in one and a more sustainable Christmas.
Recycle and reuse
The excessive consumption of Christmas generates a large amount of waste that is necessary separate and deposit in the corresponding container. Waste that we can reduce if we bet on buying less but better and banishing single-use products from our table as plates, glasses or plastic straws.
Enjoying a more sustainable Christmas is possible with little efforts. Avoid excessive consumption, making less purchases and more aware is the key. Will you apply these tips?