It's the holiday season again. That means time with the family and cosy evenings by the fire. But the holidays are also an environmental nightmare: more waste is produced than any other time of the year. With some easy tricks, you can help to change for the better.
 | Green Christmas PostcardToo much to remember? We have put some of these tips on a postcard for you. Click on the image to see it. To download a PDF version, use the "Download Documents" option on the top-right of the screen |
Between Christmas and New Year's Day billions of holiday cards will be sent, thousands of miles of ribbon used, and millions of trees will be chopped down.
We know what you're thinking. What would Christmas be without gifts under the tree, warm greetings from distant friends, or strolls down festive city avenues by night? Pretty much unlike Christmas. A "green" Christmas does not mean giving these things up; it's more about making small changes to the way you celebrate. Here are a few tips.
GIFTS
* Do your loved ones really need more stuff? If it is truly the thought that counts, skip the store-bought presents and give a bit of your time instead: a home-cooked dinner or a free night of babysitting are always popular.
* If you don´t think you can get Uncle Paul something he really needs, consider donating to a charity in his name. This makes for a heart-warming gift.
* Last year we sent around 744 million Christmas cards. If all these were recycled, it would help to save 248,000 trees. Even better: go paper free and send e-cards.
* Give sustainable gifts. The WWF offers a wide range of unique ideas.
WRAPPING UP
* Instead of plastic bubble wrap to cushion the contents, try unshelled peanuts, dry pasta, or polyester fill from old pillows.
* Instead of buying paper get creative with what you have lying around the house. For example make use of old newspapers: wrap travel gifts in the travel section, sporting goods in the sports section, books in the literary section...you get the idea!
* Forego paper completely: The packaging can be part of the gift itself: wrap the item in a tea towel, in a scarf or enclose it in a box that can be reused for collecting life's odds and ends.
 | Christmas Tree RecyclingChristmas trees await recycling in England. Around 50 million Christmas trees are sold each year in Europe (Photo: Reuters) |
THE TREE
* Go for real plants. Fake trees are petroleum based and not biodegradable.
* If you're lucky enough to have a yard, decorate a living tree. Otherwise use an indoor plant.
* If you really prefer a traditional Christmas tree, go for one that's locally farmed and not soaked in pesticides. It`s good for the local economy and also cuts down on transportation.
* After the holiday, check if the local authorities can recycle it. Instead of taking up space in the landfill, trees can be ground into wood chips and be used to mulch gardens or parks.
* When it comes to lighting up the tree or decorating your house, choose LED bulbs; they are 90 percent more efficient than traditional Christmas lights. If everyone would replace them, the savings would be enough to power 200,000 homes for a year.
SHOPPING
* Buy local. A gift made or grown locally is often unique, can tell a story or lead to some surprising discoveries in you own area. Shopping in your neighborhood can also save you gas and the hassle of large, crowed shopping centers.
* Buy high-quality goods. Sometimes with a little extra money you can find a gift that will last longer. Try second-hand shops for quality goods you can afford. Personalize the gift with a fresh paint or some ribbon. Your friends will appreciate the effort and enjoy your gift much longer!
* Around 125,000 tons of plastic packaging are thrown away over Christmas. Take your own re-usable bags with you when you do your Christmas shopping.
THE FEAST
* The average meal served travels 2,400 kilometers to reach our plates. If you can, buy from a local grocer and opt for seasonal food. This helps the local economy and cuts down on "food miles".
* Buy loose rather than packaged vegetables - it'll help cut down on waste.
* It is tempting to over-buy food for the holidays. Save yourself some money by carefully planning menus during that time. The average family wastes around a third of the food they buy.
The Allianz Knowledge Team wishes you Happy Holidays!
editor: Miriam Wolf
publishing date: December 11, 2007
