Christmas is a time for sharing, a time for caring. Not only for our families and friends, but also for the rest of created order – those who are in need, those who are suffering.
It’s also a time to care for planet earth, which nourishes us and feeds us all year round. And what thanks do we give it?
Yes, let’s join in the fun and laughter! But let’s also see beyond the tinsel and fake snow to the effects on the rest of creation of this indulgent time of year. There’s always ways we can cut down on the excesses and be a bit more mindful of how we tread on the earth..
Why not make your own Christmas cards and decorations? Last year’s Christmas cards can be cut up and made into new cards or into gift labels. After all, re-use is always better than recycle!
Why not consider giving less ‘stuff’? Instead of more potential landfill, you could give people experiences eg tickets to theatre/concert, a meal out or a massage. Or, even better, an overseas gift for your favourite charity?
When shopping, avoid goods which involve unnecessary packaging. If planning a party, avoid using paper plates, cups and serviettes.
When wrapping presents, use recycled paper tied with ribbons, so the paper can be used again. Re-use wrapping paper whenever possible and make sure that whatever cannot be salvaged goes into the recycling bin.
Buy locally produced food as much as possible. Did you know that the ingredients of a typical Christmas dinner have travelled up to 30,000 miles before reaching your plate??
Use LED fairy lights, which consume up to 95% less energy than traditional bulbs. A typical string of Christmas tree lights left on for 10 hours a day over the Christmas period produces enough CO2 to fill 50 party balloons.
Send seasonal greetings by email to cut down on the amount of extra paper being sent around the globe. They’re free! You can send e-cards from the following sites – www.dayspring.com, www.hallmark.com, www.bluemountain.com and www.123greetings.com.
Organise a collection in your office or persuade management to make a donation instead of giving corporate gifts or sending out cards.
Don’t forget to recycle paper, cans, bottles and your Christmas tree! Alternatively, buy a tree in a pot that can be planted when it becomes too big for the pot.
This Christmas in Ireland, we will dispose of an additional 95,000 tonnes of waste, which will include:
20 million wine bottles
106 million plastic bottles
64 million drinks cans
4 million rolls of wrapping paper
Spare a thought for the environment this Christmas! By making a few small changes we can benefit Ourselves, each other and the environment!