Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, family, and giving. It can also be a time of waste and excess. With all the gifts, decorations, and food, Christmas can have a significant impact on the environment. However, there are...
Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, family, and giving. It can also be a time of waste and excess. With all the gifts, decorations, and food, Christmas can have a significant impact on the environment. However, there are many ways to have a green Christmas and reduce our impact on the planet.
As a company and as individuals, we’re dedicated to helping our customers buy better products that have been made in an environmentally friendly way. Every day we do everything that we can to become a better, more responsible company for our future generations.
We believe that together we can all make a difference, we’ve developed a guide to help make your Christmas as eco-friendly and sustainable as possible. Here are six top tips for a Green Christmas.
1. Shop sustainably
A lot of waste that occurs over Christmas is around our choices of Christmas gifts. A lot of the time we buy the latest gadgets and trinkets, only for them to be replaced the following year.
This year instead of buying gifts that will be thrown away or forgotten, consider giving experiences, consumables, or eco-friendly products that will last a lifetime? All our products are built to withstand the test of time. Their longevity reduces the need for landfill, using materials that are carefully sourced for sustainability and quality. Our watering cans are made from metal and powder coated to prevent any rusting and our garden tools have been made from sustainably sourced materials. With a little care, they should become a part of your family for generations to come.
2. Use Eco-Friendly Decorations and wrapping paper
Christmas decorations are a big part of the holiday season, but they can also be a source of waste. Instead of buying new decorations every year, consider making your own from recycled materials or buying second-hand items. You can also use natural decorations like pinecones, holly, and berries. LED lights are also a great choice, as they use less energy and last longer than traditional lights.
When it comes to wrapping up the presents, use brown paper and string. When you receive your order from Quality Garden Supplies, it will be wrapped in recyclable crushed brown paper that can give a very rustic looking wrapping paper! The majority of wrapping paper that we buy from the shops is still not recyclable, with its shiny, metallic finish, and millions of rolls end up in landfill every year. If you’re looking for something a little different, use a stylish silk or cotton scarf.
3. Sustainable Food Choices
Christmas is a time of indulgence: eat, drink and be merry! This is also an opportunity to make sustainable food choices. Consider buying local, organic, and fair-trade food products. Avoid buying single-use plastics like disposable plates, cups, and cutlery. Instead, use reusable dinnerware and cloth napkins. If you have leftovers, add them to the compost or Bokashi bin to give some goodness back into the soil.
Try to make the most of your leftovers and reduce your food waste by freezing leftovers or repurpose into another meal (leftover roast makes a delicious soup).
4. Take some time to enjoy nature
Christmas and the school summer holidays can be a stressful time of year, with a lot of rushing around and trying to make everything perfect. Remember to take some time out for yourself and getting out in nature. It’s a great way to recharge and enjoy some mindfulness, and can help remind you of the beauty and importance of nature.
5. Make a sustainable tree choice
Still looking for your tree? A great option for an eco-friendly choice is to buy a potted one.
Once Christmas is over, simply pop it in your garden in its pot. The following year you can bring it back into your house and decorate it, before putting it back in the garden again once Christmas is over – the ultimate in both reusing and recycling!
Set up your tree as soon as you get home in a cool location out of direct sunlight, skylights, televisions and electrical devices. Keep the tree well watered and away from heat sources.
6. Reduce, reuse, recycle
With all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, it’s easy for all good intentions to go the wayside. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when waste is typically at its highest. Keep in mind these 3 easy steps to reduce your impact on the environment:
Reduce what we buy or buy sustainably, Reuse what you already have, and Recycled where possible.Don’t forget to utilise the green bin recycling your Christmas tree.
By making these simple changes, you can have a tree-mendous Green Christmas that is both festive and sustainable. Whether it’s choosing eco-friendly gifts, using natural decorations, or making sustainable food choices, there are many ways to reduce our impact on the planet during the holiday season. Let’s make this Christmas a time of giving, joy, and sustainability.
Additionally, click here to read more about tips for a plastic free Green Christmas.