HAPPY ECOLOGICAL CHRISTMAS!
Christmas can sometimes seem to be all about consuming
and throwing away. Each year we send around 1 billion
greetings cards at Christmas time, use 83 sq km of
wrapping paper, and get through an extra 750 million
bottles and glass containers, an extra 500 million
drinks cans and half a million Christmas trees. And
then there are the presents that we do not really want
or need.
Friends of the Earth top tips for presents that don’t
cost the earth.
- Treat people to a special experience instead of an
item – such as theatre tokens or a spa weekend
- Take friends or family out for a slap-up meal
- Make food to give such as chutney, cakes, or
chocolate truffles.
- Treat people to natural essential oils instead of
toiletries and perfumes.
- Take the family on a trip to a museum, exhibition or
show
- Indulge with a local, organic hamper made up from
the local farmers market or give gifts of
locally-brewed beer or organic wine
- Plant a tree for a gift that grows. Native tree
species can be found online at the Woodland Trust’s
partnership site at www.native-tree-shop.com/ If you
don’t have anywhere to plant a tree, you can dedicate
a tree
- Offer your own skills or services as a present eg.
babysitting, house decorating!
- Look for good quality books in second hand
bookshops.
- Buy a subscription that will support a charity and
give free entry all year to special places e.g.
English Heritage, National Trust, RSPB or RHS gardens.
- If you must send cards, buy recycled paper and cards
and avoid so many resources going to waste.
For more top tips on making your Christmas green see:
www.foe.co.uk/resource/notes_andqueries/questions/how_to_green_christmas.html
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