Environment Wednesday: Holiday Fever
It’s October first, which means that there’s only another month of this series, since the Farmers’ Market ends at the end of the month. It also means, of course, that the year is rapidly winding to a close. Before you know it, Halloween is going to be in the rear-view mirror, Thanksgiving, my favourite holiday, will be underway, and Christmas will be right around the corner. In fact, retailers are already stocking up for the holiday season, which means that this is a great time to talk about what you can do to save the environment with minimal effort during the holidays.
I’m going to talk about Christmas this week, because Christmas is sort of the big “how many things which are terrible for the environment can we do in one day” holiday. Now, Christmas has never been big in our family, but I know it’s a big deal for a lot of people, so saying “skip the tree and don’t buy presents” is just not going to fly. But there are some things which can be done over the Christmas madness which are better than others.
Let’s start with the tree. Please consider getting a live one, instead of cutting a tree down just for Christmas. Now, I admit, I really love Christmas trees. I like the smell, the little twinkly lights (more on that in a minute). But it really is better to get a live tree and ensure that it gets planted (does anyone know of any cities which take live trees after Christmas and plant them, by the way?). And when you’re decorating that tree, steer clear of the mylar and plastic crap. Go with durable ornaments which will get reused every year, and find environmentally-friendly lights, like LEDs, which use way less energy and look just as cool. You can also think outside the box. My father and I used to dress up a jade plant every year, and it looked pretty stylish.
Presents. You’re going to buy them, but try to buy them consciously. Find things that people will need/appreciate, or consider making something by hand. Use recycled wrapping paper, or even newspapers, if you can stand the perfidy. Bows/ribbons are out. Cloth wrappers like reusable bags, scarves, etc, are neat. Try to think of wrappings which can either be reused or recycled: your goal is to keep wrappings out of the garbage. Or skip wrappers altogether, assuming people are capable of handling it.
If a mass rebellion won’t ensue, you could consider less consumerist presents, like donations to charity in the name of family members. But I know that doesn’t work for everyone, and I’m not here to dictate what you should and shouldnt’ buy, although I lean more towards the “shouldn’t.” Homemade presents are also just cooler, in my opinion. I treasure every handmade present I have ever received, and have hardly any of the packaged consumer goods people have purchased me over the years. Grandmother’s quilt? Still in active use. That weird cheap plastic thing picked up as an obvious afterthought that I think is a mug? In the recycling on 26 December.
Holiday travel is a big thing around Christmas. I get (though I do not share) the desire to reunite with family members as a big happy group, and I realize I can’t stop you. But you might want to consider a central location which will reduce the amount of flying/driving, and maybe alternating years where the whole family gets together as a gang. In the years when the horde doesn’t descend, stay in touch on Christmas Day with phones or webcams and ship or mail presents. Carpool to the big family fiesta. Those of you who aren’t as into your families, here’s a ready-made excuse for not subjecting yourself to the agony! You love the environment too much to fly out to grandma’s.
Food. It’s big around Christmas. As a general rule, vegan is best when it comes to the environment, but even cutting down on the amount of served will make a difference, especially if you cut out a few animal products. Ditch the fruitcake that no one eats and go for straight winter fruit, like oranges and tangerines. Roast some chestnuts on an open fire, but avoid the nut mix made with a blend of nuts from who knows where. Look local for the Christmas goose (buying locally may cost a bit more, but I think it’s worth it). Combine baking so that the oven isn’t running continuously. Drink juice, not soft drinks. Drink water, not juice. Eat well, not in volume.
Tags: Environment