How Many More Christmases Can the Planet Handle? – Eco-Friendly Tips for the End of the Year

Although we like to ignore thoughts of plastic waste accumulation, food, drink, and energy waste, these can unfortunately overshadow the holidays. How can Christmas be eco-friendly? Find out in our student union blog post!

Lighting

When it’s Christmas, it’s time for festive lighting! There’s nothing wrong with this as long as you apply the “less is more” principle – it’s not necessary to put lights in every room and on every tree in the garden. If you have the option, choose LED lights, as they consume much less energy than traditional ones. During the day, simply turn off or unplug the lights, as they waste energy unnecessarily in daylight.

Indoor Decorations

When it comes to indoor decorations, aim for recycling! We know that home decor stores offer more and more glittering treasures every year, but try to resist the temptation. Instead, give last year’s decorations another chance or try unique DIY solutions. An old light bulb can become a Christmas tree ornament, and some unused garden pots can be turned into table decorations.

A Few Words About the Christmas Tree

You might think that an artificial tree is the eco-friendly choice, but the situation is more complicated. It’s true that buying an artificial tree means no real trees are cut down, but the production and transportation of PVC products cause much more environmental damage. Additionally, a discarded artificial tree takes a very long time to decompose in nature. Instead, buy a potted tree that you can plant in your garden after the holidays!

Gifts

In the United States, Black Friday traditionally marks the start of the big Christmas shopping frenzy: from the last weekend of November, stores in our country are also filled with discounted products, and some deals are truly hard to resist. However, before buying out an entire shopping mall, ask yourself the following questions: Do you really need it? Will the person you’re gifting it to be happy with it? Do you know where and under what conditions it was made, and what materials it contains?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, it might be time for a little rethinking. Try to buy gifts that aren’t made on another continent, as transporting these items requires much more energy and causes greater environmental harm. Instead, aim to support local producers and manufacturers. Remember, when you buy from a small business, you’re helping to build someone’s dream!

Feasting

The holidays are full of grand feasts, but try to be eco-conscious even with your meals! When planning your Christmas menu, strive to use local ingredients: we’re fortunate because our country is a true pantry. It might seem difficult, but be as moderate as possible! You don’t need to cook for an entire army, as much of the food would go to waste in the end

Need a little extra for your holiday preparations?

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