Environmental protection is increasingly being taken seriously. Since it affects all areas of consumer spending, Christmas is no exception. During Christmas, every household wants to treat themselves to the best for a joyful and cheerful time. It's therefore difficult to imagine an eco-friendly Christmas!
But the good news is that it's entirely possible to celebrate Christmas and preserve nature at the same time. How can we continue to celebrate Christmas while respecting ecological rules? Should we abandon the traditions of this holiday to preserve nature? Follow these tips to have and celebrate an eco-friendly Christmas.
Choose a natural tree, it's the minimum for an ecological Christmas
A Christmas without a Christmas tree isn't really a Christmas. It's a symbolic tree of this festive season. Every year, millions of Christmas trees are uprooted from our forests: a severe blow to the environment, which is already struggling to maintain its health.
First of all, it should be noted that there has been a popular belief about artificial trees for quite some time. According to this preconceived notion, artificial trees are more environmentally friendly than natural ones. No, this is not the case, and you will understand why.
Thinking they're avoiding deforestation, many people don't hesitate to choose artificial trees. Artificial Christmas trees are made from plastic and aluminum, two materials that are toxic to the environment and biodiversity. While artificial Christmas trees may last a long time, the environmental impact has enormous repercussions.
Are Christmas trees finally destined to disappear?
The fir trees will survive, and so will the forests. Several eco-friendly solutions exist to perpetuate the tradition of Christmas gifts under the tree while preserving our forests. One of these is the natural potted fir tree. This green fir tree is grown in environmentally friendly conditions and comes straight from the Belgian Ardennes.
To celebrate Christmas while being eco-friendly, the natural fir tree is the Christmas tree of choice. Since it's potted, you can easily replant it in your garden after the Christmas season. The tree planted this way will be used to celebrate other Christmases. However, if, after Christmas, the tree is no longer in good condition or can't withstand the thermal conditions of your home, know that the natural fir tree is recyclable. This conifer can easily be transformed into wood chips.
Eco-friendly Christmas decor: LED garlands make their grand entrance
Christmas decorations are just as important as choosing the tree. Energy-efficient or LED garlands are a priority, as they can help you have an eco-friendly Christmas. LED garlands are decorative gadgets that always add a cheerful atmosphere.
The light displays are just as beautiful as when you use traditional string lights, which add to your electricity bills. The same goes for string lights produced abroad. The carbon footprint of these lights is very high given the distance they have to travel to reach stores and supermarkets. So, to decorate your tree and your home, opt for LED string lights: it's simple and eco-friendly.
Sustainable Advent calendars: always in the eco-friendly spirit
An Advent calendar always warms the heart. Its presence in the house is a sign that Christmas is only a few days away. Children and adults alike can play this patience game of turning over a single Advent calendar card per day. Instead of buying or giving away disposable Advent calendars, do this instead: Buy or make one that's durable. The durability of this calendar will allow you to reuse it year after year. To continue creating the surprise effect, you can add word phrases or fill it with chocolates and treats.
How about an eco-friendly festive meal?
Christmas is a time for sharing, and this time usually takes place around a meal between family and loved ones. At Christmas, the meal is sacred, and even at this level, through simple acts, nature can be preserved. Before composing the menu, consider consuming local and organic produce. In general, seasonal fruits and vegetables are ideal for garnishing plates.
Of course, there are some essentials that keep the Christmas meal tradition alive. These include meat, foie gras, salmon, and seafood. For a successful eco-friendly Christmas, avoid wasting these foods at all costs. To do this, make sure you plan ahead before purchasing and determine exactly how much you'll need for your meal.
For meat, choose free-range or certified products. When it comes to salmon, make sure you choose certified salmon caught with strict respect for seafood. Seafood such as shrimp, whelks, and oysters is also a must-have at a Christmas dinner. Therefore, opt for seafood with a recognized certification.
As for vegetables, if you have the opportunity to consume seasonal vegetables, then do not hesitate. Similarly, favor purchases from local merchants to encourage the consumption of local products and the cultivation of organic vegetables.
Wrap your Christmas gifts differently
It's hard to spend Christmas without seeing gifts under the tree. Gifts help strengthen bonds and create fond memories. But gift wrapping and wrapping paper pollute. What's more, tons of wrapping paper are wasted every year. It's amazing that it's now possible to make eco-friendly and, above all, very original gifts. Choose homemade gifts; they're a great way to show your commitment to protecting the environment. Moreover, gifts made by yourself always have that special touch and a unique touch. You can also personalize them by engraving symbols. Children can also get involved by making a small gift like a wooden toy. Spend Christmas teaching them good habits for a healthier planet.
Aside from these few gift ideas to limit the use of wrapping paper, there are also other alternatives. Use newspaper or recycled paper to wrap your gifts. If you're looking for a more aesthetically pleasing packaging, you can also buy jars with attractive designs. While they may cost more than recycled paper, they can be reused at any time.
If crafting isn't your forte, Christmas is the perfect opportunity to think about giving back. Donate to a charity. You'll bring a smile to thousands of people. Just as you can donate items that are no longer useful (last Christmas toys, clothes, etc.) and give them a second life.
Celebrating an eco-friendly Christmas is actually just as beneficial for each household as it is for the environment. From choosing the right Christmas tree to choosing the perfect gift and decorating your home, there are plenty of ways to celebrate Christmas in an environmentally friendly way. Likewise, whether you're around a Christmas tree or a Christmas table, always keep in mind that the planet needs your help to survive.
