4 Ways to Be Planet-friendly at Christmas
Christmas, despite our good intentions, often ends up being a time of over-consumption of absolutely everything. That’s true of our energy use too. Canada is already the largest consumer of energy in the world and the second largest producer of greenhouse gases.
As the Christmas season of shopping, eating and decking the halls draws near, our energy use rises. This creates a plethora of problems for the poor of the world, who don’t have the resources to adapt to climate change.
So how can we include the Earth in our gift giving this year and tread a bit more lightly during the season while still having fun? Here are four easy ways.
Alternative Gifts
Instead of collecting presents that you may never use, ask loved ones to give gifts to a charity in your honour.
The World Vision Gift Catalogue is popular with thousands of Canadians who give gifts like a pig or a goat to family in need instead of a traditional gift to a loved one (which 77 % of Canadian say they don’t need anyway). The alternative options are endless. Donating to a charity that addresses your friends’ passions adds a special touch. You can even have a tree planted in someone’s honour, which positively impacts the environment and gets another name crossed off your list.
Go Carbon Neutral
Flying to Nunavut for Christmas? Air travel is one of the worst environmental offenders. Consider alternative ways of travel if possible and talk to your family about celebrating at a location that will require the least amount of travel for all.
Some airline websites offer links to carbon emission calculators to help you determine how many harmful emissions your traveling will cause. Before you start drowning in seasonal travel guilt, invest in some green energy producers whose work will offset your emissions.
Go LED
Most Canadians already know that LED lights are more energy efficient than regular bulbs. Take the plunge and upgrade all your decorating lights. You can also convince yourself that simple is elegant and resist the urge to outline every shrub with twinkling lights.
Recycle even more
When you’re wading through knee-deep wrapping paper on Christmas morning, it’s easy to stuff it into a garbage bag. Instead, agree to recycle absolutely everything possible this Christmas and get the kids involved. Breaking down cardboard boxes, salvaging gift bags for next year and folding recyclable paper can provide a much-needed distraction from the chaos of Christmas morning.
Having trouble finding that perfect gift? Here are four tips for alternative gift giving.
