A few eco swaps for Christmas
We are further approaching Christmas. This time of year can be social and spiritual. The season also could become unsustainably consumerist if we are not careful. A few simple things can be avoided for a more eco Christmas.
Avoid plastic glitter
I have been looking online for second-hand Christmas decorations because I want to do a bit more this year. But I wouldn’t decorate with anything glittery. Those tiny bits of plastic can end up anywhere. I strongly suggest everyone should especially avoid buying new plastic glitter. There are some plastic-free biodegradable glitters out there.
What can you do if you can’t find natural eco glitter and you want to scatter something? Make confetti. You might have some foil material that has a bit of shine. Or colour some reused paper.
If you’re mainly wanting decorations for the Christmas tree and the home, at least find ornaments that don’t have glitter on them. It’s a step in a better direction.
Use alternatives to pre-made wrapping paper
Try the furoshiki method of wrapping gifts with reusable fabric instead of disposable paper. Image: iStock/Getty, edited.
Let me explain this one. I would not buy any new wrapping paper like the sorts we see at the shops. There are easy accessible alternatives, especially materials that we might already have or could easily find.
I personally just wrap gifts in packing paper because we have plenty of that. Sustainably minded people are also using the Japanese method of furoshiki, wrapping presents in cloth. I found a book on this method. It is Fabrigami: The Origami Art of Folding Cloth to Create Decorative and Useful Objects (Furoshiki - The Japanese Art of Wrapping) by Jill Stovall, Scott Wasserman Stern and Florence Temko. The Kindle version would be useful if you need to read the book prior to Christmas.
Reuse old boxes, paper and string when wrapping presents. Image: Unsplash.
Give wood and existing items instead of newly made plastic toys
Don’t buy new plastic toys when shopping for gifts. There are plenty of ‘second-hand’ durable toys that are as good as new. Avoid bringing new plastic into the world if there is another way. If you deeply wish to buy new toys, look for sustainable materials.
Classic wooden blocks are versatile, timeless and quite durable. Find some older blocks that have a vintage feel. That approach could help the planet. Image: Unsplash.
Gift a gift the recipient would prefer instead of something you want
One of the most sustainable things you can do is to give a gift someone really wants and needs. It sounds obvious. But have you ever bought something for another person because you would have liked to receive the same thing? If you were going to use that logic, the recipient might end up simply not using the item. Some people exchange things but that might not be possible or ‘polite’ and considerate. Just because you prefer something, that doesn’t mean it’s ideal for someone else.
Make a greeting card for a unique thoughtful message that is also more sustainable. Image: Unsplash.
Make gifts and decorations instead of buying new things
Whether you’re needing gift ideas or decorating for festivities, try sustainable crafts with existing materials. I would be interested in the book The Eco-Christmas Craft Book: 30 stylish festive projects that won’t hurt the planet by Marrianne Miall. I haven’t read this book yet since I only just discovered it. But the guide looks very relevant. You could also find crafty solutions from the book The Joy Journal: Easy Activities & Creative Craft for Magical Everyday Play by Laura Brand. That publication is a favourite for eco families.
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