​How to be eco-friendly and Christmas

When trying to be eco-friendly the key things to consider are:

• Reduce
• Reuse
• Recycle

Reduce

Ways that we can reduce waste at Christmas is when gift giving consider will the receiver really get use out of the present. By giving something, they really want, or need, they will not only appreciate the gift, but they will use it and as a result reduce potential landfill.

The material of the gift is another consideration highly refined or processed products can create a lot of pollution and by-products. Eco-friendly products that are handmade and utilise natural materials can reduce waste.

Pollution caused by transporting goods can be reduced by purchasing locally sourced, made, and sold products.

Consider product durability stronger well-made Gifts and items will last longer reducing waste.

Reusing

Reusing gift bags, wrapping and other material is a great way you can be more eco-friendly during the holidays.

Paper shopping bags for some stores now have a holiday print designed to be repurposed as gift wrap, the same can be done with other paper bags with your own design drawn or stamped on.

Remnants of material and boxes are also great for repurposing what other people consider holiday waste and can be reused year after year.

Recycled

Unwanted gifts can be recycled by regifting to others who would appreciate more.

Repurposing and restoring is an excellent way to give new life to something that would have gone to waste.

Buying products that have eco-friendly, recycling and composting of packaging should be done where possible. Ana has a good article on composting gift wrap.

Eat leftovers and compost scrap from the feast and enjoy the holidays in an eco-friendly way.