we’re dreaming of a green christmas
Filed Under Going Green, Stuff | December 8, 2008
And being in Vancouver we’re likely to get one too, but we have some eco-friendly ideas for small ways to go greener this Christmas that combine to make a big difference. As with our gift ideas we think being mindful is key over the holiday season, and since most of us are already onboard with LED lights and saving Christmas cards to cut up and use for crafts or gift tags, here are a few more ideas:
Greener Shopping: If you can’t face the sea of people and tinned carols, you can feel virtuous about pouring a glass of wine, slipping on your jammies and shopping online. After all, online stores take a tiny percentage of the energy to run compared to their real-life counterparts, and the shipping uses less fuel than your average shopping excursion. And when you do hit the shops, think local and handmade because keeping your money in your community strengthens your local economy. Maybe that’s not green, but it is mindful.
Greener Wrapping: Shiny paper and sparkly bows take a lot of natural resources to create, but you can still make your parcels pretty while giving our forests a break. Try wrapping your parcels in scarves, cloth bags, reusable storage containers or even old cereal boxes decorated by your kids. Alas, we’re really not crafty enough to make our own bags, but this gingerbread cottage wine bag and these santa sacks are some of our favourites. And if you are shopping for wrapping paper – or cards – look for those made with 100% post-consumer waste content or that are processed chlorine-free or this seeded gift wrap that you can plant and watch grow.
Greener Table: When entertaining, if at all possible, use regular dishware, but if you can’t, we think Green Planet Parties’ Party in a Bag, full of completely biodegradable/compostable dishware and packaged in a beautiful, reusable, gold organza gift bag, would work for everything from cocktail parties to Christmas dinner. Also, and this one is for everyday, not just the holidays – why not invest in cloth napkins for your kids? We’re not suggesting you pull out your best linen for the tots, but you may want to invest in some cheap and cheerful napkins you can use repeatedly rather than paper napkins or paper towels. As for centerpieces, glass bowls full of cranberries, oranges or lemons look lovely and festive. Pass on conventional petroleum-based candles too, instead opt for soy or beeswax candles with all-cotton wicks, they’re better for the air you breathe. Oh, and don’t forget to cap it all off with a local turkey.
Looking for more green ideas? Here are just some of the eco-friendly products we’ve covered that can help you go greener over the holidays. Please note: this list does not include toys:
- Safer eating products
- Sweetbeet’s Eco-friendly Cards
- Nature’s Ultimate nuWiping Cloth
- Reusable Wrapping Paper
- SPUD
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[...] their small Chubbies, at small prices, to larger items at larger prices. And in fitting with our green Christmas ideas we think their recycling truck is pretty great. You can find them locally at the Granville Island [...]