MAKE CHRISTMAS 2020 GREEN
It’s safe to say that Christmas 2020 will unlike any most of us have experienced.
However, we all have a wonderful capacity to adapt and seem to have developed a new sort of psychological ‘memory muscle’ to deal with the odd new normal. The circumstances may have changed this year but that also means there is an opportunity to try new things and to create some new greener traditions of our own.
Planning ahead for yourself, friends, family and the planet is key whether it is for the holiday period or getting ready to head into a new year. Planning will allow you to choose with care and ensure you have just enough to celebrate with sustainable gifts or experiences to suit your budget and circumstances.
Eat, drink and be merry!
Yes – eat plants!
What we eat and drink has a huge effect on our health and that of the planet, and is easy to change, starting with the next meal.
You don’t have to wait for the big day. Get the practice in now . If we can’t gather together in larger numbers, then you may as well experiment.
Make some space – get started now on clearing out the fridge/freezer in advance
You do not need to throw anything out, unless of course it is long overdue a spring clean. Use what is there and fit it to a new recipe rather than buying new ingredients.
Chop out that potential food waste
Plan out menus for a week or two ahead with the reward of replenishing the freed-up space with plant-based ingredients and alternatives. Introduce your plant-based foods gradually. Mix and match your alternative proteins, fresh produce and other treats.
(Don’t) Rip it up (but) start again
Even with global warming the season is turning colder and at the same time bringing a lot of heavy rain. We have to wrap up, but we can also ‘change’ what we wear.
Play the long game
If you really do need something new that keeps you warm and dry, why not try to think ahead for the next five winters. Think slow fashion, created with love, sustainability and attention every step of the way. Quality design rarely goes out of fashion. Consider spending a bit more, not on a label, but on the item that will keep giving back to you (or your gift recipient).
Choose well and avoid being ‘greenwashed’
Yes, your clothes will keep you warm and make you look good – you got those covered – but consider where and how a product is made and what materials are used. From top-to-toe, you can choose clothes and accessories that are made with sustainable materials and come from ethical supply chains.
Make clothes last longer with the right maintenance and care
By purchasing higher quality clothes your choices should be able to handle wear and tear more successfully. Remember you can make your current and new items last longer with less frequent, lower temperature laundering.
In the bleak midwinter…what to do?
It is a time of year for gifting and in today’s digital age many gifts will come in the form of electronic devices like ‘phones, tablets, laptops, specialist sports devices, etc. There are a few things to keep in mind, along with price, when considering your purchase.
Check the sustainability story
Before buying check out the sustainability credentials of the producers. No manufacturing and supply chain is perfect but those that are starting to take sustainability seriously will be more transparent and will be keen to share their story and their energy ratings.
Cosy up to a green energy supplier
As the nights have drawn in, we spend more time inside. We all need to stay warm, but with the focus on climate change it can feel like we are left somewhere between a rock and hard place when thinking about how to adapt our use of home energy for the good of the planet.
It can be a daunting and initially expensive task to consider putting solar panels on a home roof and, frankly for many, it is not an option. However, there are other ways to achieve the same result. Have someone else do it and buy their energy instead. The energy you use in your home will still come from the national grid but by buying from a green energy provider you are changing the mix into the grid for everyone and increasing the proportion of green energy across the whole system.
Decorate and have more fun with natural materials.
Green your Christmas decorations with natural materials – holly, ivy, and living trees. Or repurpose your houseplants!
Get creative with DIY advent calendars, cards, wrapping, Christmas crackers, baked goods. There is a treasure trove of helpful resources online.
Just a perfect day
At this time of year in the northern hemisphere many people are affected by SAD (Seasonal Adjustment Disorder). Especially this year staying positive is critically important for ourselves and those we love. As we relax and hopefully de-stress a little, we can make some time to spoil ourselves.
Get mindful – you have the time!
A little mindfulness goes a long way. Consider spending the holidays living in the moment and encouraging others to do so too. Tie that in with a bit of daily exercise to benefit mind and body. The weather might not always be obliging but wrapping up well (in that cool sustainable jacket) and making a point of observing nature when you are out, will help slow you down and de-stress.
Tap into the benefits of fermentation
Experiment by including one or two fermented foods in your diet over the holidays to naturally increase the quantity of gut positive probiotics. What is good for the gut is good for your body, including brain function. Consider Kombucha, sourdough bread, plant-based yoghurts and kefir.
Listen to ‘Perfect Day.
Traditionally at this time we gather in family groups and catch up on time stolen from us by the hustle and bustle of getting through the year. Depending on individual circumstances we may have had way too much exposure to loved ones or none at all due to restrictions. Whatever the case, there is lots of scope to make celebrations joyful and ‘greenful’. At some point do kick back and listen to ‘Perfect Day’ and smile.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
John Creaton is the CEO and co-founder of the Planet Arborist online platform. The platform is designed to provide integrated support for businesses and consumers focused on the actions required to positively impact our planet and climate.
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