Ideas for an Eco Christmas

As we approach the Christmas season, here are a few ideas to make this time a little more gentle on the environment.

Left over wrapping paper can be made into paper chains,
If you are buying a plastic Christmas tree, make sure to use it for at least 10 years because of the carbon footprint. Or, why not rent a real Christmas tree?
If you are buying new Christmas lights, get LED bulbs to use less energy.
Would you like a new Christmas jumper or party clothes? Try the charity shops!
Try to choose useful gifts. Aim for quality, not quantity, so they last a long time.
If buying wood or paper gifts, check they are made from recycled or FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) materials.
Look for cards and wrap that are made of recycled or FSC certified paper.
Fastening wrap with ribbon or string may keep paper looking nicer and therefore easier to re-use.
Consider second-hand or ‘vintage’ gifts.
Charity gifts can be a fun alternative to a physical present. Match the gift to the recipient’s likes, sense of humour or passions, e.g. chickens, goats, education, clean water. Hopefully you’ll please your frend, and the charity also benefits.
Try making a homemade coupon book, with promises – e.g. ‘I promise to cook a meal’, ‘I promise to do some ironing’, ‘I promise to do some gardening’ etc!
If you are staying with family or friends, could you use public transport to reach them? (NB – trains generally finish early on Christmas Eve and don’t run on Christmas Day or Boxing Day. Check also for planned engineering work!)
Eat seasonal vegetables.
Go for a local walk.

Remember the ‘reason for the season’ – as we celebrate the birth of Christ, let us also try to care for God’s earth.