Let’s face it, Christmas generates so much waste what will all the preparations of food, presents, and decorations. We are all for having a merry Christmas, but given the worsening climate crisis (and the fact that so many others are forced to go without presents, decorations, and most importantly food), we believe that it’s important we celebrate the season responsibly.
Reuse That Christmas Tree
Did you know that artificial trees should be for a minimum of 12 Christmases to equal the carbon footprint of a real one? We don’t use real trees in the Philippines, and these days artificial trees are relatively inexpensive so people think it is okay to buy a new one every year. Remember that these trees are plastic! If your current one is still in one piece, use it. Or if you really want to get a new tree, consider getting one that is made of twigs and branches and sold by local artisans and businesses.
Buy Smart Presents
Buying smart presents means getting presents locally. Buy from community shops, patronize stores that sell sustainable products and package them in sustainable containers and bags.
This is also a good opportunity to help spread the word about the importance of supporting human rights. Buy products being sold to fund campaigns for the environment, for political prisoners, for survivors of natural calamities. Not only are we helping important causes, when we tell the receiver of the presents where we got their gifts, we also help them become more socially aware.
When we shop locally, we help support the local economy; we also help people get employment. We also cut energy use and emissions associated with transporting goods.
Wrap Presents Responsibly
All year long, we should make an effort to reduce the amount of single-use plastics we consume. We should be more vigilant during the holidays. We should use recyclable or biodegradable gift wrappers or gift containers. Remember that if we do not recycle or reuse, all the gift wrapping, bubble wrap, plastic containers, and boxes will end up in landfills. Let us be responsible and use alternatives like fabric, recyclable paper, and grocery paper bags. Let us convince everyone in our social sphere to reuse gift bags, boxes, tissue paper, and ribbon from already received presents, or the ones saved from last year. This is a good way to reduce our waste.
Light up with Energy-efficient Christmas lights
It is not surprising that many of us like to put up Christmas lights on the tree or on the windows. If you're getting Christmas lights, get the ones that have energy-efficient bulbs. They use up to 90% less energy than other kinds like incandescent lights. It's also important to turn them off before going to bed. No one will enjoy them when everyone is sleeping anyway, so unplug them. We can save electricity this way, and this also a safer way to go.
Use Alternative Christmas Decorations
Most of the Christmas decorations readily available in the stores are made from plastic. Sure, they can be used year after year, but eventually, they will still end up in the landfills. Use decorations made from recycled wood, plant fibers, and fabric, or better – make your own from old decorations!
Cook Only What is Enough for the Family
It is terrible how over 2,000 tons of food are thrown away every single day in Manila. Think of that and remember how many homeless and impoverished Filipinos there are who root through garbage bins to feed their families.
The amount of food wasted during the Christmas holidays is much higher. This is very, very wrong and also has a big impact on the planet. This Christmas, shop only for what we need, use leftovers, and if we can share food with those who have less than us, then let’s do it.
Have a meaningful Christmas and remember to share with others who have less than us!