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LET’S MAKE IT A GREEN CHRISTMAS!

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Ho! Ho! Ho! Xmas is just around the corner and ‘tis the season to be happy and merry. But ’tis also the season to do good for your own well being and for the planet as well. While people immerse themselves in celebrations during this festive period, little do they realize the impact it can have on our environment. Celebration times usually equate to more shopping, more food and more consumption overall. The last thing you want is for your celebrations to put more strain on an already fragile eco-system.

‘Tis Xmas, why not make it Green, instead of White!By following our eco-friendly tips, you can make it a season of joy for both yourself and the planet while still celebrating Xmas in style with a squeaky clean conscience!

1.Make your Xmas Tree Last

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The best tree is no tree – no kidding. Artificial trees are made out plastic which is immensely harmful to the environment as they leave behind a huge carbon footprint. If you do have an artificial tree, make sure to keep using it and make it last as long as you can. When the time does come to replace it, there are several sustainable options to choose from. For instance, with a bit of DIY, you can create your own Xmas tree by simply rearranging fairy lights to resemble the shape of a tree. It’s the thought that counts at the end of the day! Alternatively, even a real tree makes more sense than buying an artificial one as you can at least replant it if it outgrows your house!

While you’re at it, try and make your own decorations. You can use bright red berries or make your own set of trinkets by looking up online.

 2. Say Yes to Eco-friendly Wrapping Paper

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Metallic, plastic, or foil wraps are difficult and at times, simply impossible to recycle. They are also considered to be one of the largest Xmas wastes. Instead, why not opt for recycled wrapping paper, brown paper, newspapers, old calendars, unused paper bags etc. Your conscious decision will end up leaving a smaller carbon footprint on the planet. While you’re at it, if you do have left-over plastic wraps, make sure to re-use them.

 3. Reduce your food wastage

Whether you’re hosting guests or going for an Xmas feast, it’s imperative that you avoid wasting food. Festivities can be a huge source of food wastage and we owe it to ourselves, if not the planet, to avoid any food wastage. If you have invited people over, don’t buy/cook more than required. If at all there are leftovers, make sure to get them distributed to hungry and poor people. In addition, please opt for disposable or reusable cutlery. There are several sustainable cutlery options out there to choose from such as bamboo/paper straws, plates made out of bagasse or areca leaves, biodegradable cups which can go a long way in helping minimize waste.

4. Give eco-friendly Gifts

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This Xmas why not give a thoughtful gift. As the Xmas season kicks into gear, many people still send each other cards.  Come on admit it, most of the times you end up reading these cards once and then almost inevitably end up in the trash. This traditional practice simply has run its course in this day and age as it’s proven to be a waste of valuable money and resources. Instead, you could learn how to make your own cards or better still choose to gift your loved ones something sustainable. You will not only come across as thoughtful but also Earth-loving! After all, it’s the thought that really counts!

  5. Go the LED Way!

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As compared to the traditional twinkling incandescent lights, LEDs are a far better option. Not only are they energy efficient – as they use up to 80 percent less energy – but they also are brighter and last longer as well. Fairy lights also look very ‘Christmasy’ and you will end up with lower energy bills in the bargain. While you’re at it, do remember to not leave them on overnight. If you do want your house to be lit, opt for the festive glow emitted by soy-based candles instead. They are biodegradable as well as having the added advantage of being smoke-free. This Xmas, light your home up, but consciously!

The Bottom Line

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Xmas is the time for giving so the best way to celebrate this festive season is to give back to Mother Earth. By making conscious and ethical choices, you can offset the damage to the environment and reduce factors that contribute to climate change. There’s no reason why you can’t have a good time and at the same time, save the environment as well. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year ahead.

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