Have a greener Christmas

Most people would admit to festive habits that are far from green. There are numerous ways to make your Christmas greener. Rude Health has some tips:

Gifts

Shop local – It may be tempting to order from the internet and large shops, but transporting goods great distances has a negative impact on the environment. Buying from local artisans and producers is a greener option.

Cut down on shopping trips – by making a detailed list of what you need. Use public transport when you can.

Regift – there is no crime in passing on an unwanted gift if you think someone else would prefer it. Just make sure the person who gave it to you doesn’t find out!

Make your own – Christmas cards, wrapping paper and tags are all expensive and can be made at home from recycled materials. Gift tags can be cut from last year’s Christmas cards. E-cards may save on postage, but also on printing and transport of traditional cards.

Keep it – wrapping paper, bows and ribbons to use again.

Recycle – most recycling companies will take away more recyclable material such as paper and packaging after Christmas, so leave out an extra bag.

Power

Battery power – invest in a battery charger and rechargeable batteries to avoiding spending a fortune on batteries for children’s toys and having to throw them away.

Convert your lighting to LED – they use less electricity but are just as bright.

Replace bulbs – how many times have you replaced Christmas tree lights when one or two bulbs don’t work? Keep the spares that come with most sets of lights and replace as needed.

Nature

Walk it off – create a new tradition of going for a walk on Christmas Day and feed the birds to reconnect with nature and work up an appetite.

Think of the birds – why not make some bird feeders using pine cones stuffed with suet, seeds and nuts?

Choose a real tree – the plastics used in the manufacture of artificial trees have a damaging environmental impact. Plant your tree outside once Christmas is over or keep it in a large pot for next year. Take advantage of council schemes for disposing of your tree in a greener manner.

Decorate with nature – if you have a holly bush cut springs to hang from mirrors or pictures on your walls rather than tinsel type decorations.

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