How To Enjoy An Eco-Friendly Equestrian Christmas
With a little effort and imagination it is easy to have an eco friendly Christmas. You can still have a fabulous time whilst being mindful of the environment - we can reduce the the environmental impact of the holiday season
1. Use eco-friendly wrapping options
Switching to eco-friendly, recyclable wrapping paper and using last years cards as tags will help minimize waste. You could also use brown paper and twine with a few twigs of eucalyptus tucked into the string.
If you want to know if your wrapping paper is recyclable use the scrunch test. Scrunch up the paper in your hands and then let it go. If the paper stays scrunched up then it can be recycled but of it unfolds by it’s own accord then it likely contains non-recyclable elements
Use paper tape instead of tape. Tape is made from unrecyclable plastic and renders any recyclable if it is not peeled off.
Ribbon is another way to not use tape meaning more of the wrapping paper can be reclaimed and reused
Try wrapping gifts with fabric instead such as a tea towel than can be used throughout the year and beyond
Reuse gift wrap, fancy ribbons and bows and keep them in a box till next year .
2. Shop Small
Supporting small, local businesses is generally a great way to reduce the carbon footprint of your gifts. Supporting these businesses helps reduce the waste stream while promoting the concept of making best available materials. Often local gifts have a story, which goes along with the gift as the artisan and the origin of the gift are known.
Start shopping early to give yourself time to think about the gifts your are buying and find ones your loved ones need and will love.
Buy one big present. Secret santa is a great idea and means you can put time and thought into one larger present. Less is definitely more when it comes to being sustainable
Buy an indoor plant, it is kind to the environment and it can be enjoyed long after the decorations have come down.
3. Reduce Food Waste
Make your Christmas dinner more sustainable by planning in advance, making a practical list and try to avoid being tempted by multi-buy offers and discounts that may make you over shop.
Shop at local suppliers instead of major supermarkets when able is another way to reduce food miles and support local businesses,
Eat the food in your freezer leading up to Christmas to create space for leftovers.
Divide the left overs with guests so everyone can enjoy.
4. Sustainable Decorations.
Deck the halls with recycled decorations, re-use the decorations you already have or buy ones made from recycled materials or from craft fairs to ensure they will last year after year.
Instead of buying a store brought advent calendar invest in a reusable advent calendar that you can fill up with little gifts of your choice year after year
Turn a houseplant into a Christmas tree using LED lights, or decorate a tree outside
Use candles made from eco-friendly soy or beeswax instead of paraffin. Again buy local from small business if you can.
Some wreaths are more eco-friendly than others. Avoid wreaths adorned with plastic accessories and glittery decorations. Not only are these made using non-sustainable materials but they can be harmful for birds and wildlife if hung outside. Go for a real, fresh wreath made using seasonal natural foliage. One of our local horse rescues creates horse head wreaths every Christmas made from natural sustainable materials and you are donating to a good cause when you purchase one.
5. Live Christmas Tree
You could buy a live potted trees can be used for years. If you buy small tree in a large pot you may be able to reuse the tree for 2-3 years without having to plant or repot the tree
Replant the tree when it becomes too large for your indoor holiday tree but continue to decorate it outside.
If it is available in your area obtain the correct permits and cut down your own tree in the forest or Christmas Tree farm
Chip and mulch your tree after the holiday season. Most communities have access to a free chipping service for your tree. This chipped material makes excellent mulch for your shrub beds and garden pathways
Most of all remember what Christmas means to you, and have a fabulous holiday season
