Hello, my green-hearted friends!
Marina Wright here, coming to you with the twinkle of fairy lights and the scent of pine in the air. Christmas, the season of joy and togetherness, is just around the corner. However, the festivities can also usher in a significant amount of waste. Can we celebrate Christmas in all its glory, without bestowing a ‘gift’ of waste upon our precious planet? Absolutely! Let’s jingle all the way to a zero-waste Christmas together.
1. Oh Christmas Tree, Oh Christmas Tree:
The heart of every home at Christmas is the tree. But this symbol of joy needn’t come at the cost of a tree’s life. Consider alternatives like a rented potted tree that can bring nature indoors, and then continue to grow after the season ends. Or, why not create a DIY tree from reclaimed wood or a ladder decorated with twinkling lights and baubles?
2. It’s All About The Wrapping:
Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.
William Morris
Why should gift wrap be any different? Shiny, non-recyclable wrapping paper can be replaced with recycled brown paper adorned with a sprig of holly, reusable cloth wraps, or even old newspaper spruced up with colourful string.
3. Feast Without Waste:
From mince pies to Christmas pudding, the festive feast is a key part of our Christmas traditions. But can we enjoy our roast potatoes without roasting the planet? Absolutely! Plan your meals to minimise waste, shop locally to reduce your carbon footprint, and compost any unavoidable food scraps.
4. Conscious Gifting:
In the spirit of a truly green Christmas, let’s rethink our gift-giving traditions. Consider giving experiences, homemade treats, or zero-waste beauty products. Opt for digital versions of books, music, and films to reduce physical waste.
5. Deck the Halls:
Instead of disposable decorations, let’s deck our halls with nature! Pinecones, holly sprigs, dried orange slices, and cinnamon sticks make lovely decorations, filling your home with the nostalgic scents of Christmas while leaving no waste behind.
Remember, in the whirlwind of the festive season, sustainability is the gift that keeps on giving. As we string our lights and hang our stockings, let’s bear in mind the words of Dr Seuss’ Grinch: “Maybe Christmas,” he thought, “doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” And perhaps, that ‘more’ is a Christmas that leaves our hearts full and our bins empty.
So, as we tuck into our Christmas pudding and raise a toast to the season, let’s also raise a toast to our beautiful planet. Here’s to a merry and bright zero-waste Christmas!
Yours festively,
Marina