Basically the suggestions are that you give time or experiences, or consumables [preferably home-baked or home-grown] or make a charitable gift [I didn't buy a woolly jumper, I sponsored an African goat on your behalf] or buy your pre-loved gifts from Charity shops.
I do attempt to give gifts which will be appreciated by, and useful to the recipient, and I am sure that you do too.
I've been interested in the continuing conversations about real trees v. fake ones.
We had our big fake tree for around 25 years, and replaced it with a slimmer one when we came here. The old one had started to disintegrate. I was heartened to read various articles which claim that the carbon footprint of re-using an artificial tree is lower than that of using a fresh real tree annually after 10 years [this figure varies between 5 and 20 years depending on which website you look at] So I think I am probably ok on that one!
I am glad that it is easier to dispose of real trees now.
The Norfolk&Suffolk FoodSavvy website has ideas for Christmas leftovers, and the Eastern Daily Press published a brief article on having an Eco-friendly Xmas.
I think this year, more than ever before [thank you David Attenborough!] people are becoming more aware of waste, and the impact of our habits on the life of our planet.
I'm interested to know if there are any changes you are making, or good tips you've discovered for more eco-friendly festivities. Do share them with us!
Shoestring Cottage had a link to that Infographic yesterday and I was pleased to note that I already do many of them! My friends and I have decided that there is very little that we need as far as "stuff" is concerned but we always appreciate consumables or tickets to something that we can do together. The only exception is books!
ReplyDeleteI live in an apt. and owners prefer that you use artificial trees as they are safer. I have had the same 3 foot tree for about 30 years now and it was a bargain when I bought it and I think my eco footprint with it must be teeny tiny by now!
For those who do have real trees the city organizes special pick up days after the holidays when there will be a special disposal opportunity and then the trees will be mulched and recycled.
Thank you for the link! I like the suggestions on the infographic. I do some of them - for example, I just finished making the second batch of jam I will be giving as gifts, this year. The glass jars I used are recycled ones I already had on hand and I hope they will be reused or recycled by those who receive the jam. :)
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