When we work to restore habitats for pollinators, we also are reducing carbon emissions and increasing air and water quality. It comes down to refining our actions, one holiday at a time.
With three weeks to go before the Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations, here are some practical earth-friendly ideas from the writers of Pebble, a British eco lifestyle magazine that promotes stylish, sustainable living.
Avoid Single-Use Plastic
One of the simplest ways to have an ethical and sustainable holiday is to avoid single use plastics when you shop. Instead, shop for ideally reuseable gifts that are also free of single use plastic, opting for products made from biodegradable or recyclable materials.
Choose Sustainable Stocking Fillers
Traditional stocking stuffers often come with excessive packaging and contribute to single-use plastic waste.
Opting for sustainable stocking alternatives, such as bamboo toothbrushes, reusable snack bags, or biodegradable beauty products, not only reduces the environmental footprint but also promotes conscious consumer choices.
Holiday Decor
Christmas is such a fun excuse to get creative with decorations.
Make your own decorations like origami stars and popcorn garland, or browse the decorations at your local thrift store, and set yourself on the right path.
Avoid Plastic Decorations
For anyone living a zero-waste lifestyle, an equally zero waste holiday means avoiding plastic decorations like tinsel, baubles, and glitter. You may intend to use them every year, but once they break, they can’t be recycled.
Glitter also contains microplastics that infiltrate waterways and harm aquatic life. In contrast, sustainable ornaments are often made from recycled materials like glass or wood, which means fewer new materials and a smaller carbon footprint.
So while you should keep using any plastic decorations you already own for as long as possible, when replacing them or adding to your festive collection, go for natural materials over plastic every time.
Craft Natural Place Settings
This Christmas, set your table using natural, foraged items, for a back-to-nature, low waste vibe. Crafting your own table decor allows you to appreciate the beauty of nature without contributing to excess waste or relying on materials that may harm the environment.
Plus, these homemade decorations can be composted or reused, promoting a cycle of sustainability.
There are so many amazing colors around every winter, why shop for something plastic or single use, when you can find such beautiful things in nature?
Make Zero Waste Cocktails
Cut up the rind from juiced limes and throw them in a jar with vodka. After one to two weeks, you’ll have lime infused vodka.
Read the complete story here: https://pebblemag.com/sustainable-christmas/
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