An environmentally green Christmas

What if we really changed our ways of doing things this Christmas? If we swapped excessive consumption, expenses and waste for an ecologically responsible Christmas while keeping the Holiday spirit?

For a greener Christmas, start with a farmed natural tree, because it isn’t made from petrochemicals. What’s more, it’s a renewable and compostable resource: the farmed tree is replaced by a new seedling as soon as it’s harvested, improves air quality as it grows and will be reduced to mulch if all decorations have been removed.

The more creative can build a tree out of wood or recycled cardboard…or even decorate the house plants.

Lights are also an important part of the magic of Christmas. The choice of less-energy-consuming, longer-lasting and safer LED bulbs is important, as is a timer to light and extinguish the lights at pre-set times.

Your own, personal decorations can be created using natural materials, by giving a second life to objects from your everyday life or by doing craft activities as a family.  The products of these latter are a great source of joy for those who make them and those who receive them.

If, however, you lack the time, and purchase is the only option, take a close look at your consumer habits. Give less, but better. Make sure the gift will be useful. Try to choose products from here and shop at the Christmas markets, which are full of original gifts and organic products.

Emphasize cultural outings, I.O.U.s for help with chores (shovelling, gardening), an outdoor adventure or some time together. And this might be the right year to learn the Japanese art of gift wrapping, furoshiki, so that you replace paper with reusable fabric.

Lastly, to make words like “sharing” and “love” ring with authenticity, volunteering in a local organization is a worthy, kind gesture in which children enjoy participating.

Happy Holidays!

 

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