Christmas and sustainability: the importance of continuing to respect the environment
Christmas and sustainability. These two terms, which seem at odds with each other, can also be adapted to the protection of the ecosystem. Come in and find out how!
Because linking Christmas and sustainability means calling for a greener festive season
As Professor Brian Hughes said in his brand new article on Christmas and its effect on people’s psychology. “Christmas affects the human mind in many ways; it can stimulate joy, nostalgia, excitement, restlessness and stress, sometimes all at the same time”. It is not for nothing that it is one of the most eagerly awaited times of the year, full of solidarity and generosity and spiritual peace.
Yet this same time of year also tends to wreak havoc. And not only on the diet and the bank account, but also on the environment. We are talking about a footprint that starts in increased energy consumption, for example, and continues in the decorations and gift wrapping, itself, discarded at the end of the season. No, there is definitely no denying that the environmental impact of these festivities is significant and considerable.
The good news? That many Christmas customs can be adapted, fortunately, so that they can become more sustainable. Christmas does change us, after all, as these Copenhagen scientists claim. And while this study focuses more on neural reactions, there is no doubt that the festive season cries out for a change of behaviour, an upgrade.
An ecological transformation that allows us to enjoy both a historical and magical tradition and a celebration that respects the planet. But if you don’t believe it, it’s possible, read on and find out how!
Decorating Christmas with sustainability
Family celebrations, warm traditions, festivities served on a platter of nougat, turkey, seafood and other delicacies. That pretty much sums up the customs of the season. And yet, there is no element more iconic and Christmassy than the decorations. The decorations, the garlands, the colourful wrappings… Eye-catching, eye-catching, they bring a smile, they warm the heart, they awaken the spirit and the spirits.
The problem? Many of these elements are made of plastic or reinforced with this toxic material, which takes decades to degrade. The alternative, then? Opt for natural decorations, which are much more sustainable. From wreaths made from branches or pine cones or dried flowers, to natural Christmas trees. The result is not only an original and personalised decoration with a unique touch. It is also a demonstration that Christmas and sustainability can indeed conjugate the same verb of environmental preservation.
In fact, and following this same line of Christmas awareness, it is important to point out that the Christmas tree can also be a very controversial subject. Why? For the simple reason that artificial trees, however reusable they may be (this being their greatest advantage) are made of non-biodegradable materials. This means that their manufacture necessarily generates carbon emissions.
By contrast, natural Christmas trees are far more sustainable, with a lower environmental impact; and they can be reused. How? By buying them from local nurseries, perhaps, and then recycling them properly. There is, in fact, a very innovative option, and that is to rent the tree, rather than buy it. It is purchased in pots from a nursery and returned at the end of the festive season so that it can be replanted.
Christmas and sustainability… and energy-saving lights!
A classic among classics, Christmas lights are another inseparable element of the festive season. They hang from façades and buildings, twinkle among nativity scenes and trees, and spread their sparkling aura from the top of the streets. They are so omniscient and identifiable that there are even tours that take visitors around the city’s most emblematic illuminated decorations.
The problem? The excessive energy use involved in having them in action, basically. Which is why LED lights are the best lighting option. They are more efficient and longer-lasting, after all, which is a plus in the sustainability stakes.
What’s more, many of them have a built-in timer, a detail that makes it possible to reduce the time they are on, or to keep them off at night. These are small actions that not only benefit the environment, but also help to reduce the electricity bill.
The importance of giving gifts with ecology and purpose
And from decorations to lights we now move on to the third leg of the Christmas table: gifts. Exchanging presents is a holiday tradition and therefore also one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the season. The bad and not-so-desirable part?
The consumerism that comes with it, of course. We are talking about a habit, almost a mania, of spending and spending and spending to excess, a practice that generates a sea of waste and carbon emissions, even if unintentionally. A practice that generates a sea of waste and carbon emissions, even unintentionally. A possible solution?
Give sustainable gifts. In other words, choose gifts that simply have a purpose. That is, give recycled items or experiences as presents, give handmade products as gifts, surprise with tickets to an event or a yoga or cooking class or similar activity.
In this sense, organising festive activities that promote the link between Christmas and sustainability is to open the way to environmental awareness. In this way, taking part in workshops to create recycled decorations, or signing up for second-hand gift exchanges has both an ecological and an emotional benefit. Which one? Conserving the ecosystem, of course; and spending time with family and loved ones, with entertainment and utility, harmony and fun.
The gift wrapping itself is also another opportunity to show that it is possible to combine Christmas and sustainability and make a difference for the planet. So, instead of using traditional wrapping paper, many of which are not even recyclable, it would be better to use cloth, craft paper, reusable bags… Things like that. These are both eco-friendly and creative alternatives, which also add a special and unique touch to each gift.
A toast to responsible feasting
Another major part of the celebrations, perhaps the fourth leg of the Christmas table, are the large lunches and dinners. The criticism raised here is that these are feasts that sometimes contribute to food waste and thus also to a high environmental impact.
The clearest example is the increase in animal products, which are consumed even more at this time of year. Reducing the amount of meat is therefore a good eco-sustainable strategy, as is adding more vegetarian dishes to the menu. In the same way, Christmas and sustainability become more present and effective when local and seasonal ingredients are prioritised, as they are ways of enjoying food that is as delicious as it is responsible.
Another good tip to apply at this point is to plan in advance what you are going to eat. What can this achieve? Avoiding excess on the one hand, and making the most of leftovers on the other hand, by creatively adding them to another recipe or menu.
Leftover turkey can be turned into soups or casseroles, for example, and leftover sweets can be transformed into innovative desserts, for example. The most important thing is to help minimise food waste.
Travel and transport, an impact that can be reduced
It is customary to travel during the festive season. Groups of friends and entire families move from one city to another and even from one country to another, always with the purpose of reuniting with their loved ones. And that’s fine; Christmas is all about family and merriment, after all.
Hence the importance of choosing means of transport with less environmental impact, whenever possible, such as trains or buses. And if there is no choice but to travel by car, carpooling can help to reduce emissions, thus making a big difference.
No less helpful and environmentally friendly in this respect are video calls. They are a tool that, after all, break distances and bring families closer together, without ever losing the emotional connection.
Christmas and sustainability, a dream that can be fulfilled
We have already shown that Christmas and sustainability are not synonymous with giving up all that is good and magical about these dates. The fusion of these two terms means, in fact, giving free rein to creativity. And finding new ways of adapting these festivities to make them look more conscious and environmentally friendly. Choosing natural decorations, choosing efficient lights, giving gifts with purpose, celebrating responsible meals… Yes, there are definitely endless ways to keep the same traditions alive, while taking care of the planet at the same time.
Because the true spirit of Christmas is none other than to love and share, after all. And caring for and preserving the Earth is just another way of defending and protecting the home we know.
Promoting a green Christmas is therefore our responsibility. That is why it is not only important to take the measures mentioned above; it is just as important to share them with more people, friends and family. The more people become aware and join in this way of celebrating the holidays, the better, because the more the environment will be strengthened.
Sharing raises awareness, and raising awareness instils values. Values of respect for the planet that, if practised frequently, could well become a Christmas tradition, leaving a sustainable legacy for future generations.
