5 ways for an eco-friendly Christmas!

Here is a follow up from my first write up : “5 ways to be an instant eco-warrier”

This one is really about Christmas — the season of festivities, cheer, love and joy.

Although we would like this festival to be joyous, if this joy creates a lot of sadness in future for the very people you want to create joy for — would that not be a shame ?

So..here are 5 tips to enjoy a conscious and sustainable yet beautifully gorgeous Christmas for everyone!

1. Ditch the plastic trees

Did you know 80 million Xmas tress find their way in some form into the oceans and another 100 million get into landfills? 

These beautiful plastic trees may look “ritualistic” but there is nothing traditional about them.

The other alternative of chopping down a real tree that grew for years on this planet so you can have 61hours of complex family dynamics does not make sense either.

Try painting, making a DIY one with twigs, an arts project tree or best, plant a real one!

We have a tiny plant that is growing each year- sure it is not 6 feet tall (yet) but it is real and an organic part of our celebrations.

2. Stop creating a mound of wrapping paper

Instead of further contributing to the little mountain of paper in every home, try reusable linen or cotton pieces. You could try the Japanese method — Furoshiki. It looks beautiful and I often add a dried flower or sprig or a dried spice to make it look festive.

Another option is reusing old newspapers- not ideal but if you are going to throw them out, might as well reuse? 

I have often made bows out of the cartoon section — looks beautiful.

3. Spend thoughtfully — create lasting joy

Spend time, really good time in thinking about a present. Just another plastic décor in the house- who values that anymore? Most gifts end up being recycled or sitting in the back of the cupboard. Instead, try thoughtful things like reusable coffee cups, lifestyle books, reusable fabric tee shirts and so-on. Bonds, shares, online shopping vouchers, gift certificates, insurances — are amazing gifts too! I often buy gifts from UNICEF market or CRY or online charity marketplaces from remote places of the world, I also buy unique indigenous local art — these all play a dual purpose and do not just add to trash. Finally you can donate to organisations like Shelter and you can provide medical aid and these can also double as gift certificates. 

The person you give it to will appreciate it and so will a family who needs that support in a corner of the world.

4. Stop wasting trees, capital, time on nonsense cards

Yes they are cute, funny and incredibly beautiful but they are old fashioned ! When is the last time someone you knew valued it forever? I actually knew this guy at work- who notoriously dumped every simple card ever given to him in the trash can right in front of the giver almost casually. I suspect that is happening to all our cards- they rarely make it through the winter on anyone’s desk or even through a house movement. 

An online card, a small handwritten note can be a great touch.

But it is best to buy charity cards- they are carbon neutral or even carbon negative sometimes. 

Recycled paper is another good option.

5. Controversial idea : could you try a vegan nut roast or a veggie dinner the night before or after?

Most people are so committed to their Xmas dinner they want to shoot me for this idea I bet. I am not suggesting ditching tradition forever but I have been lately part of many Xmas dinners in last few years where my friends/family cooked a vegan large dish for me and ended up relishing it themselves. They felt lighter, put on less Xmas pounds and felt good. One could also try doing this the evening before- like a fun “alternative” dinner? 

Is it not time for a new set of rituals that contribute to your family’s health and happiness longer than that dinner.

( Above - Stuffed Squash with Pesto)

Enjoy the season, this time will be different for all of us. However, we are a resilient and creative species and am confident we will find hope, light and seven space for many others in this festive time.

Have a Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas or/and a terrific festive season ahead!

May we be disease free, healthy and buoyant next year and for generations to come..(but for the last bit we need to work more..hence the write-up)