It’s the season we cherish, a time when we can relax, light the fire and spend time with loved ones. Over the Christmas period though, more waste makes its way to landfills, and there’s a large increase in CO2 emissions. While it’s only right to give yourself a moment to indulge in some festive treats, please remember that our planet has no days off.
We’ve put together 10 great tips for an eco-friendly Christmas, but if you have any other ideas, please get in touch as the more we can share the better!
Cozy by the fire!
Did you know that It’s better for the environment to burn wood, as wood comes from biomass, which is generally considered to be carbon neutral. This means that trees absorb CO2 from the atmosphere when they grow, and later this CO2 is released back into the atmosphere when burned. Coal, on the other hand, is so-called fossil carbon, as it comes from biomass that was sequestered millions of years ago. When we burn coal (and gas and oil), we release CO2 that has not been in the atmosphere for millions of years, thus increasing the atmospheric CO2 concentration, which is driving global warming.
Create:
Home-made art, food and drinks are lovely ways to say you care… There’s nothing quite like home-made chutney in a recycled jar! 💙
Bought gifts:
There’s lots of earth-friendly gifts available such as ‘seed bombs’ which contain seeds for flowers rich in nectar and pollen to help save our bees. 💙
Shopping:
Please be earth conscious when shopping for festive treats. Remember to carry reusable bags and try your very best to avoid unnecessary packaging. 💙
Wrapping/packaging:
Old materials can make fantastic wrapping… Get creative, reuse and try and avoid that nasty single-use plastic tape! The amount of wrapping paper used for presents at Christmas is enough to wrap around the equator 9 times! 💙 
The Tree:
6 million Christmas trees are discarded every year! If you have a fake tree, keep using it! And if you want to buy a fake tree, try and buy second hand. If you are adamant on having a real tree, be sure to look for the FSC logo to ensure its sustainability and also buy approved trees from the Soil Association to ensure it’s certified as organic and pesticide-free. 💙 
Decorations:
It’s time to get creative again! It’s also a lovely activity for the family to share… And those home-made decorations will make your Christmas one to remember. 💙
Driving:
As tempting as it is to jump in the car and drive between Christmas plans could you use public transport or lift pool with anyone else? Booking train tickets in advance can also save you money, and help to avoid those Christmas traffic jams! 💙
Food:
Why not try cutting down this year? According to the Soil Association, "food is the single most important, everyday way for people to reduce their own environmental impact". Why not make friends and family some of your favourite vegan dishes to try! 💙
Drink:
Reduce, reuse, recycle and avoid single-use plastics!
Have a wonderful holiday season everyone! 💙
Aquapax 💧🌍💙