Christmas is a season of celebration and excess which can be a strain on the environment. Here at Cedrec we've put together a few ways to help celebrate the season while caring for the earth.
1. Buy Less
Everyone loves receiving a gift at Christmas but there is no reason all gifts must be store bought. Home made gifts can be more personal and unique.
2. Shorten your gift list
You can shorten your gift list by putting the names of all adult family members in a hat and each picking out a name. This means each person can still get one special present each but means less stress and helps out the environment too.
3. Buy smart
When buying gifts you can look for locally made or recycled presents. You can also re-gift presents you have been given and think others may enjoy more.
4. Buy a real Christmas tree
Contrary to popular belief it is more environmentally friendly to buy a real Christmas tree rather than a plastic one. Real Christmas trees are a renewable energy source and can be replanted.
Buy a Christmas tree approved by the British Christmas Tree Growers' Association, where trees are grown according to strict guidelines governing everything from sustainable seeds and cultivation to protecting local wildlife.
5. Turn lights out at bedtime
Turning tree lights and outside displays off at night can stop a waste of energy during the holiday season. It may also save you some money.
6. Use LED lights for house and Christmas tree lighting
Light Emitting Diode (LED) holiday lights use up to 95% less energy than larger, traditional holiday bulbs and last up to 100,000 hours when used indoors.
7. Environmentally friendly Christmas cards
You can make your own Christmas cards from the ones you received last year or from other things you have around the house. If you don't feel creative enough for that you could try sending an e-card.
8. Try some alternatives to buying wrapping paper
You can re-use gift bags and wrapping paper or use alternative wrapping such as , newspaper, cartoon strips or posters.
9. Recycle
Gift packaging, old electronics and Christmas trees can all be recycled. You can check everything you can recycle with your local council or nearest recycling bank.
10. Be realistic with food shopping
Buying locally or buying less can be great ways to help the environment and still enjoy your Christmas dinner.
11. Buy rechargeable batteries
Using batteries in new gifts can be a problem for the environment as batteries contain toxic chemicals, do not biodegrade and are difficult to recycle. Rechargeable batteries are more environmentally friendly.
12. Make your own decorations
Making your own Christmas decorations is a great way to use things you may have otherwise thrown away.
