It's almost that time of the year again! A beautiful Christmas tree, cozy mood lighting, gifts for the whole family and of course a grand Christmas dinner with lots of delicious food on the table. It makes us happy, but the planet a lot less so! Fortunately, you can also celebrate the holidays in a sustainable way with a few small adjustments. Marcel shares 5 tips for a green Christmas.
1. GO FOR A REALLY GREEN TREE
You may have never thought about it before, but using a Christmas tree for one month and then throwing it back on the street is quite polluting to the environment. It is estimated that around 2.5 million Christmas trees are sold and thrown away in the Netherlands every year. Shame of course. Therefore, go for a really green tree. For example, rent or adopt a Christmas tree with a root ball - and have it returned to nature after the holidays. This is possible with companies such as BeterBoompje, which also places 2 trees back in the BeterBoompje Christmas tree forest for every tree sold.
Another option: leave those trees in the ground and opt for an alternative Christmas tree. Consider, for example, a wooden tree (which you can simply pull out of the closet in the years to come) or decorating a houseplant. Be creative!
2. CHOOSE CONSCIOUS CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Yes, you can also go green when choosing Christmas decorations. LED lights for example. An obvious idea perhaps, but old Christmas lights are often not yet made with LED lighting. So check this carefully and switch if necessary. And what about the decorations on the tree? Many Christmas lovers hang a new theme on the tree every year and therefore buy new balls, garlands and other decorations every year. Anything but sustainable of course! But we also understand that you want to change the color and atmosphere every now and then. The best thing you can do is take a look at the thrift store or make your own Christmas decorations from materials you have at home, such as fabric or paper. Also a fun activity just before the holidays!
3. ONLY GIVE SUSTAINABLE GIFTS
Socks, candles, perfume or a bottle of bubbly: a lot of unnecessary Christmas gifts are given during the holidays. By not buying trinkets but opting for a sustainable gift that is really useful to someone, we can create a cleaner world together. Tip: surprise your loved ones, friends, colleagues or family with a sustainable gift set from Marcel's Green Soap . You are also giving the planet a gift!
Extra tip from Marcel: also wrap your presents in a sustainable way! For example, use pages from an old magazine to wrap small gifts. You can wrap larger gifts in a piece of fabric. This way of wrapping is very popular in Japan and is called 'Furoshiki' there. There are many videos online about this art of wrapping. Get inspired!
@marcelsgreensoap How to: Furoshiki 🎁🎅🏻 #gifting #wrappinggifts #wrappinghacks #christmas #sustainableliving ♬ original sound - Marcel's Green Soap
4. CREATE A GREEN CHRISTMAS MENU
Don't put a turkey or venison steak on the table again this year, but cook with seasonal vegetables, buy your groceries in a farm shop and buy ingredients that are not wrapped in plastic. And how about a totally vegetarian and vegan menu this year? Almost all dishes can be made vegan with a few minor adjustments! Also very important: don't make more than necessary. This way you prevent food waste.
5. DON'T BUY A NEW CHRISTMAS OUTFIT
Admit it... you are also guilty of it: showing up to Christmas dinner every year with a new Christmas outfit. Nice for you, less fun for the planet. Because did you know that the fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries? And that for an outfit that you probably only wear during the holidays. Rather choose a second-hand outfit or borrow a Christmas outfit from a friend. Trust us, it feels a lot better!
