Each year, Christmas parties push to consume. Therefore, they produce significant amounts of waste – experts speak of a 30% increase throughout this period compared to the rest of the year. And to these numbers are added the equally large food figures – with 230,000 tons of food thrown away every Christmas in the United States alone. Faced with these big numbers, many of us are ready to make efforts to make Christmas more environmentally friendly this year. In this sustainable perspective, here are some tips from Cora Hilts, founder of Rêve En Vert, an online store of sustainable luxury products.
Rent your Christmas tree, or replant it
“First of all, artificial plastic fir trees should be avoided at all costs – they are made from petroleum products and are therefore not biodegradable. Last year, we decided to rent a tree: it is a service offered by some companies. They deliver it to you in a pot and, once Christmas has passed, come to pick it up, which means that the tree can then continue to grow. You can even buy a potted tree to replant after the holidays – another eco-responsible option to consider. If you have already bought your fir tree, use collection services that will take care of reducing it to chips and putting it in compost.”
Opt for natural decorations
“After reading a lot about the impact of all these Christmas decorations that we import, I decided to use only decorations made of natural materials. We recently moved to Maine, so I went for a walk in our garden and picked up pieces of cedar and white pine as decorations.”
Offer gift vouchers or experiences
“I am a big fan of gift certificates because with them, we are sure that the person to whom we offer them will have what they want, and it is a great way to support companies that need them. This year, in my family, we chose to focus on gifts that offer an experience…. We also sponsor an animal of an endangered species every year for our niece and nephews – donations to associations are wonderful gifts.”
Add green to your plate
“I think we should all eat much less meat, but the solution is not necessarily all or nothing – I don’t think everyone can change overnight. You can invest in parts from a local and organic butcher shop. And why not offer vegetarian starters or side dishes this year? This is the right time to discuss our food choices, and maybe you will want to ignore meat this year.”
Avoid food waste
“Count the number of your guests at Christmas and do not cook more than necessary. Also ask them to bring only things that will really be eaten. For Thanksgiving this year, when all the guests were asking what they could bring back, I proposed that everyone donate to an association the amount they would have spent to bring back food or wine. We must change mentalities and become aware of everything we throw away. You can also give delicious leftovers to your guests when they leave, and try composting the food waste instead of sending it to the landfill, where it contributes to methane emissions.”
Carry something you already own
“I think no one needs a new complete outfit for Christmas, but if you want to buy something new, you can invest in pieces from a sustainable brand that you will wear for a long time, or turn to vintage. But the best thing is to pick from your current locker room or rent your outfit.”
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