GREEN CHRISTMAS TIPS

We’re dreaming of a Green Christmas …
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CARDS AND WRAP
  • Buy recycled wrapping paper and cards.
  • Reuse old paper, if you can.
  • Avoid glitter (it can’t be recycled).
  • For wrapping paper: avoid foil or glitter.
  • Try the scrunch test: crumple a bit of the paper, then open your hand – it’s only recyclable if stays scrunched up. 
  • Use reusable wrap – e.g. bags, cloths, scarves & real ribbons … 
  • Buy smaller cards (less to recycle), or send e-cards.
  • Keep everything you can to reuse next year.

TREE
  • Recycle your tree after use; or better, keep for next year.
  • Grow your own tree & keep it (remember to water it in the summer).
  • Make your own tree – find out about our sustainable tree here.
  • Use LED lights but not battery-operated, or solar-powered, if outdoors.

DECORATIONS
  • Use natural decorations on the tree - berries, twigs, cones, … 
  • Reuse decorations from before - they can become family heirlooms.
  • Make your own decorations, from waste items, e.g. sweet papers, … 
  • Use berries & small branches, holly sprigs or ivy to decorate your house.

FOOD
  • As much as possible, cook food that's in season and grown locally.
  • Freeze left over food to use later (wash uncooked fruit or veg. first). 
  • Compost leftovers but only if it can't be used straight away or frozen. 
  • Try eating more vegetarian or vegan food.
  • If you have visitors, avoid buying food that you don’t like; then you can eat it up if the visitors don't finish it.

PRESENTS
  • Choose wooden toys, rather than plastic.
  • Make presents yourself, e.g. cooking, sewing, … 
  • Give a charity gift - e.g. pay for a goat for a family or a child's school desk, from Oxfam.
  • Give a second hand present - e.g. a book you have read and enjoyed.
  • Avoid presents that use electricity or batteries unnecessarily.
  • Donate unwanted presents to charity.

TRAVEL
  • Don’t take more luggage than you need and use public transport whenever possible, or find people to share with.

Click here to see Greening Beeston’s sustainable Christmas Tree.
Download the leaflet
(Print double-sided, flipping on the short edge and then cut in half to make 2 leaflets.) 
gb_eco_green_christmas.pdf
File Size: 273 kb
File Type: pdf
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