There are many ways to have a sustainable Christmas, from saving energy to making sure gifts are low-carbon and useful. Here are several tips for reducing your carbon footprint.
1. Don't forget to turn off fairy lights
Lighting can account for up to 15% of household electricity and fairy lights left on for 10 hours a day over the 12 days of Christmas produce enough carbon dioxide to inflate 60 balloons. So make sure you don’t blow up more than 60 balloons this Christmas.
2. Christmas cards
An estimated 1.7 billion Christmas cards are sent in the UK and the equivalent of 200,000 trees and around 1 million Christmas cards are discarded every year. Ask your relations and friends to return your cards so that you can re-send them next year.
3. Recycle wrapping paper
Approximately 83 square kilometres of wrapping paper ends up in our rubbish bins each year (enough to stretch around the equator nine times). Make sure you recycle wrapping paper by re-using it as toilet paper.
4. Candles
Paraffin candles are made from petroleum residues and do not do the environment any good. Earwax or natural vegetable-based candles are better because they are biodegradable, smoke-free, and are more eco-friendly.
5. Deck the halls with natural plants
Instead of spending money on artificial Christmas decorations that are not biodegradable, let nature decorate your home. Try thistles, dandelions, poison ivy and common ragwort. Once you have finished with them, you can put them in the compost, in accordance with the appropriate legislation of course…
6. Christmas trees
Artificial trees are made from metal and derivatives of PVC and require large amounts of energy to make. Real trees absorb carbon dioxide as they grow. They are a naturally renewable resource. A coniferous tree in the corner of your living room is also an excellent place to store Christmas presents.
7. Recycle unwanted presents
An unwanted present or gift, can be recycled by donating it to a local hospital, charity or re-given to someone next year.
