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Introduction
Introduction
Do you know about Earth Overshoot Day? It's the day of the year on which humanity’s demand on nature exceeds the Earth’s annual biological capacity to regenerate. This year, it fell on August 2.
But what happens next? We still have half the year left, and Christmas is at the end, a time when buildings are lit up, people rush to buy gifts, and big family meals are prepared. Waste is expected to go up by 30% during the Christmas period!
Here are some tips for you to spend your Christmas caring not only about your loved ones but about the planet too.
Tip 1: Gifts
Tip 1: Gifts
Ask what they need or want:
Around half of UK adults say they have received gifts they don't want at Christmas.
Giving a gift that someone truly wants isn't just about providing something practical and meaningful; it's also a way to show how much you care about their desires and needs.
DIY Gifts:
What could be more sweet and precious than a handmade gift? Have you ever thought about trying out your creativity and creating the presents yourself? If you don’t know where to start, YouTube and Pinterest are your friends to guide you in the world of DIY presents.
Give second-hand:
There's no shame in giving second-hand gifts. These items come with a story and a budget-friendly price tag. Explore numerous second-hand stores, such as thrift shops or charity stores, where you can find a variety of treasures. In Budapest, for instance, Cseriti has more than 10 shops filled with everything from toys and books to clothes and kitchen supplies, all waiting to be discovered.
Give experience:
Gifting an experience for your loved ones will reduce the demand for physical resources.
Here are some options: ticket to a concert or theatre, voucher for a spa day or a trip, reservation in a restaurant, the list is endless:)
Digital Services:
Whether you're looking for a gift for a parent or a friend, everyone enjoys watching movies or listening to music. Have you ever thought about giving a subscription to a streaming service? It's the perfect 21st-century present.
Zero-waste tools:
Small acts can have a big impact. Inspire your friends and family by gifting them zero-waste products.
Reusable water bottles, natural cosmetics, tote bags, or kitchen tools, are just a few of the available options. Körforrás offers plenty of ideas for zero-waste gifts.
Tip 2: Wrapping
Tip 2: Wrapping
Tons of wrapping paper is wasted every year. Here are some alternatives on how to reduce paper waste:
Use newspaper, recycled wrap or magazines
Use an old cardboard shoe box: You can even decorate and personalize it
Avoid plastic ribbon and tape, or foil-backed and glittery wrapping paper
Try the furoshiki wrapping technique:
This is a traditional Japanese method of using cloth to wrap gifts. There are many videos on YouTube to learn some techniquesSimply do not wrap your gifts :)
Tip 3: Decoration
Tip 3: Decoration
Christmas Table:
Replace paper napkins and tablecloths with ones made from materials that are long-lasting and can be washed and stored.
Ornaments:
Save yourself some money and upcycle old decorations, or make your own using spare material around the house, like turning old paper into paperchains.
Lights:
Minimize the use of light chain decorations around your house.
If you want to add some sparkle to your Christmas tree, go for LED lights. They use less energy, have a longer lifespan, and look just as good!
Remember to switch off your lights at night – it's safer and won't cost the Earth.
Tip 4: Food
Tip 4: Food
Christmas menus can include up to 4-5 courses, not to mention plenty of cookies and sweets. Here are some tips on how to cut your Christmas food waste:
Plan your menu and write a shopping list:
Shopping consciously allows you to save energy, time, and money. Plus, it helps you avoid buying things you don't need.
Use up leftovers:
Use Tupperware, foil and wax cloth covers to keep leftovers nice and fresh for the upcoming days.
Or use your leftovers to do some creative cooking: For example, grind dried cakes and make coconut balls out of them instead of breadcrumbs.
Tip 5: Christmas tree dilemma
Tip 5: Christmas tree dilemma
Plastic Tree:
Some sources recommend using it for at least 10 years, while other experts suggest aiming for 20 years. Otherwise, a living tree from a sustainable forest might be a better choice.
Real Tree:
Make sure it's FSC-certified or buy from local cultivation. Know how to dispose of your tree after the season. For example, find recycling options to turn it into wood chips.
Potted Tree:
It is a good solution as you can reuse it each year! However, it requires a lot of supervision and care.
Conclusion
Conclusion
Being mindful of our consumption and purchases takes a little effort and leads to significant changes. I hope these tips encourage you to start your own eco-friendly Christmas and inspire you to care not just for your loved ones but for the planet too.
Sources
Sources
Author: Katalin Miklós, Community and Civil Development Studies MA student at the ELTE, Budapest & intern of Youth Bridges Budapest
This blogpost was created in the framework of Feel Good project (2022-1-PL01-KA220-YOU-000086018).
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