It’s so easy to over-indulge on Christmas day. We’re all excited from the gift exchanging that it’s all too easy to get caught up in the moment and not pay heed to the environmental impact of this day! Lets start at the very beginning and work through 5 tips and tricks to make the day a little more eco-friendly.
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When unwrapping gifts have a storage container for gift wrap, gift boxes, bags, bows, cards etc. This will make it easier to sort later. Anything that could be reused is not going to get trampled by little Timmy on his new skateboard or crushed under the weight of Dads new tool box.
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Set aside an area for gift packaging. No not the gift wrap, we already covered that. Here we’re talking the packaging, the boxes, the clam shell plastic packaging etc. Set this aside and don’t touch it for a while, That way if something breaks during the Christmas festivities it’s easier to return in it’s original packaging. Having it all in one area also makes it easier to see what items are reusable or recyclable. Also let’s face it, having the original packaging makes items easier to re-gift! Don’t act shocked we all do it, after all it IS reusing/recycling right?
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Nix the paper plates and plastic cups. If you know you won’t have enough cups/plates/glasses why not ask the invited guests to bring their own or borrow from family/friends? You’ll save money by not purchasing the added items and you’ll save the environment too! If you don’t feel comfortable asking family/friends for a crockery loan then how about buying some? Nope, not at the superstore, instead go to your local thrift store! Many thrift stores sell glasses, and crockery, and you may even find some to match or at least compliment your existing service.
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Deal with the leftovers. Just accept it, leftovers are a fact of life when there are holidays. Deal with the leftovers right after you finish eating so that nothing goes to waste. Wasteful food has to end up somewhere. Better in your refrigerator for later than in the landfill. Remember if you have guests, set aside some leftovers for them too! Elderly and single guests are always thankful for leftovers.
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Talking of food and drink, try to go organic and local where possible. Organic products use natural pesticides and fertilizers. Chemicals are bad for us and the planet.If you can’t buy local, by from your state, if not your state then at least your country. There are some occasions where this isn’t possible but it’s a good rule of thumb.
Remember that we could all think “one day won’t make a difference” but research shows that waste production goes up by 30% over the holiday period. Whether gifts, packaging, wrapping, food waste, paper plates or other wasteful consumables. We can all still enjoy the holidays, but we can also enjoy the knowledge that we helped the environment at the same time!
Happy Holidays!!!
