Have a low carbon Christmas
December 12, 2007
With a few simple changes it is possible to have a great Christmas without costing the earth.
Christmas can be a great time of indulgence, presents, food and drink. Here are some hints about ways to reduce your carbon footprint this Christmas:
Christmas trees and gifts
Buy an Australian native Christmas tree and then plant it in the garden or use a plant you keep in a pot.
Cut down waste going to landfill by using your decorations from last year or make your own. Kids love to do that!
Be creative and make your presents rather than buying them this year. There is nothing more special than the personal touch!
Buy an eco friendly gift. There are a great range of environmentally friendly products now available. For gift ideas visit www.environmentshop.com.au or www.goingsolar.com.au .
Theatre tickets, massage vouchers, gym memberships etc. cut down on waste and make great gifts. So do recycled and vintage items.
Buy a gift for someone else. Aid agencies such as Oxfam or World Vision run programs whereby a gift can help a family or community overseas. Environmental organisations such as Friends of the Earth etc. sell gifts too.
Try something new this year and buy a carbon offset gift certificate for that person who has everything! Visit www.climatepositive.org/Gifts
If you have a big Christmas gathering, why not draw names out of a hat and buy a present for only one person each.
Re-use wrapping paper and ribbon that you may have kept from throughout the year.
Make your own Christmas cards from recycled materials and paper around the house. Alternatively buy cards made from recycled paper.
Christmas dinner
Cut down on your greenhouse gas emissions from food miles by choosing locally produced and fresh produce. Check out the Low Carb(on) Christmas dinner menu on the MEFL website.
It's tempting to over-buy food at Christmas, but save yourself some holiday money by planning your menu carefully. The average family wastes around a third of the food they buy.
Instead of throwing away all your leftovers, why not put your vegetable peelings and scraps in a compost bin or worm farm.
If you're having a party, avoid serving food and drink on disposable plates and cups. Borrow extra crockery from the neighbours or ask everyone to BYO plate!
Instead of driving close distances, cut down your emissions from transport by walking or riding a bike to your Christmas lunch.
Offsetting your Christmas gathering
Christmas gatherings often involve lots of flying as family and friends from all parts of the country come together. Why not take an extra day and relax on the bus or train instead. For information about offsetting your transport visit: www.climatepositive.org or www.greenfleet.com.au
For lots of other great ideas and more information download Environment Victoria's Sustainable Festive Season Guide:
http://www.envict.org.au/inform.php?menu=6&item=1688
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