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Christmas is in a league of its own when it comes to commercialism, consumerism and waste. What other holiday has chopping down a tree as its principal tradition? And buying plastic toys powered by toxic batteries, then wrapping them in more dead trees, as close second?
But two years ago, I decided I would try to do Christmas green. Well, green-ish. I was going to try … because sometimes I worry that the holidays aren’t quite stressful enough.
- From Mom, Will This Chicken Give Me Man Boobs? by Robyn Harding
When author Robyn Harding pledged to celebrate an eco-Christmas, she knew it wouldn’t be easy. She chronicled the naughty-and-nice experience in a chapter of her hilarious tale of a life gone green.
So how do you make Christmas green without making everyone blue? Like Harding, you make a multitude of small changes.
The mother of two started with her gift-giving habits. She was appalled at the waste Christmas brought – overpackaged gifts, mountains of wrapping paper and toys that didn’t hit the mark and would get no use.
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“Though it sounds almost unfestive, in the last few years my kids have discovered the magic of getting money for Christmas,” Harding says. “This was a big no-no when I was growing up because my mother said money isn’t thoughtful enough. Presents were supposed to be meaningful.”
The gifts of cash turned out to be very meaningful, since her children chose much-wanted presents that would get plenty of use. Her son pooled his gifts to buy a skateboard one Christmas. This year her daughter hopes to buy a hair straightener.
“Another thing that we like to do is give an experience. One year we got them ski lessons,” she says, adding that baking lessons and craft days have also proven popular.
She and her husband rarely exchange physical gifts, usually opting for gift certificates for a movie night or a dinner or even a foot rub. And, notes Harding with a chuckle, that means nothing to wrap.
Looking for a hostess gift? Harding recommends something homemade – it’s affordable, thoughtful and often more sustainable. Green gifts like organic wine, organic fair trade coffee or chocolate and clean-burning soy candles usually bring a smile. She also likes shopping at craft fairs or online at treehugger.com, a website for the environmentally conscious shopper.
When decking the halls, go for quality, not quantity: “Don’t buy the disposable garlands and icicles,” says Harding. “Choose treasures that you’ll keep for a lifetime. After all, it’s pretty hard to get tired of your Christmas decorations when you only see them once a year. And if you can’t bear to see that wreath for another year, why not organize a decoration swap with your friends?”
Harding compromises around Christmas dinner. She always splurges on a free-range turkey, which is “much more delicious. And it’s nice to know that that turkey had a semi-decent life before it sacrificed itself for our dinner.”
Because cooking for a crowd already costs a pretty penny, she purchases locally grown produce when she can find it and often skips the organics.
“Instead of worrying so much about what’s on the table, worry about what you do after,” she advises. “Make other choices in the kitchen to make your meal more sustainable. Don’t throw plastic wrap on everything; store it in reusable containers. Compost your veggie scraps. Use cloth napkins instead of paper napkins.”
At holiday time, it may be the thought that counts, but it’s the small actions that add up.
Quick tips:
3 wise ideas
Consignment stores: Bikes, skis, skates - kids seldom wear these out before they outgrow them. Trade in their sporting equipment for an Earth-friendly – and budget-friendly – gift.
Reusable shopping bags: Not only do they create less waste, they’re also stronger and easier to carry, particularly on long and harried shopping trips.
Give back: Give gifts that give twice by donating to your recipient’s favourite charity. Most let you donate online – one less trip to the mall.
3 to scratch off your list
Overpackaging: Does Barbie really need to have her hair sewn down, and her limbs and every accessory (the ones they never play with) shackled in place? Put your money where your eco-conscience is. Look for gifts with a minimum of packaging.
Disposable goods: Skip the paper napkins, paper plates and plastic cutlery for Christmas dinners and parties. Invest in inexpensive cloth napkins, plates and cutlery for those big family affairs. Or rent them – bonus: no dishes to wash.
Gift wrap: Just say no. Instead, use newspaper or even your kids’ artwork. For a green-ish solution, use paper gift wrap with recycled content or reusable cloth gift bags. Or create a tradition of hiding Christmas presents.
3 green swaps
Disposable batteries for rechargeables: Batteries not included – the famous line with every toy ad. Instead of picking up a regular package of batteries, buy rechargeables and a charger. If you choose Duracell’s pre-charged rechargeables, your toy will be ready for action on Christmas morning.
Incandescent Christmas lights for LEDs: Trade in your old Christmas lights for a string of LEDs. You’ll use 95% less electricity. Or opt for the new solar-powered lights and use none.
Snail-mailed Christmas cards for e-cards: You do like hearing from people, says Harding, but the same fancy trimmings that make Christmas cards sparkle make them unrecyclable. Why not send the computer-savvy on your list an e-card instead? For the rest of your list, send cards printed on partially recycled paper.