Dreaming of a green Christmas
Christmas counts as one of our most awaited holidays, there’s no doubt about that. It is indeed the most wonderful time of the year as it puts us in a festive, generous and loving mood, no matter the circumstances. Unfortunately, it’s also one of those days that seems to show the least love for the environment.
From single-use gift packaging to decor that we only got on a whim and plan to discard after, we often fail to realize how much trash just one house can accumulate over the holidays. We’ve listed down some simple—and absolutely doable—ideas on how we can be a bit more eco-friendly and earn us a spot on planet Earth’s “nice” side of its list.
Alterna-trees
Your family has been using the same Christmas tree for two decades now. You feel it’s high time that you replace it. Instead of heading out to get a new plastic tree, consider a real, living, breathing Christmas tree or make use of your taller house plants. Rubber plants, fiddle leaf figs, dragon trees, corn plants and indoor palm trees make good alternatives for Christmas trees. They could hold those dancing lights and shimmering tinsels and garlands just as beautifully.
New old ornaments
Same with your 20-year-old Christmas tree, your plastic ball and icicle ornaments have been there since Santa knows when. Before you discard these, maybe they just need some touch ups here and there? Get those markers, stickers, washi tape and paints out and bring out your inner Vincent Van Gogh or Henri Matisse. Besides, there’s something more charming and interesting with homemade Christmas trimmings.
Crude is good
If you would really rather get new holiday decorations for your house, opt for ones that are made from natural materials. Pick Christmas trimmings that are made from wood, hemp, jute, paper, glass or rattan. Not only are these organic, these materials would certainly look good when put together.
Light up with LEDs
If you haven’t yet, make the switch to LED Christmas lights. We all know that LED lights are far more ideal than incandescent ones because LEDs use a lot less energy, and are safer and longer lasting. For your Christmas lights outdoors, consider solar-powered lights. Switching to these eco-friendly options will not only be economical, but will also make planet Earth happy.
Furoshiki
If you haven’t wrapped your Christmas gifts, here’s a superbly sustainable idea. How about adopting the Japanese custom of wrapping items in fabric? Known as furoshiki, the term refers to a square piece of cloth that the Japanese use to traditionally wrap various items with, from bento boxes and clothes to books and fragile items, you name it. Your recipients can then reuse the furoshiki afterwards. Check out Japanobjects.com/features/furoshiki to learn how to wrap your Christmas presents using furoshiki.
