holidays are coming - part 2

LESS WASTEFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

In our previous post we shared some different ways to have a more eco-friendly Christmas and in this post we continue with that theme, sharing more of our favourite ways to keep the holiday season as waste free as possible. 

Some of you may already have dusted off your decorations and put them up (well done you super organised people!) others no doubt will be thinking about it soon. Decorations are a massive part of getting in the festive mood, but can also be very wasteful. Its estimated that around 6 million trees are thrown out after Christmas, which is an extra 9,000 tonnes of additional waste (figures from www.envirowaste.co.uk).

​THE TREE DEBATE

When it comes to the tree debate of real or fake, it can be tricky to decide how to have a tree without impacting the environment too much. There is no clean cut answer but if you already have a fake one, then re use is definitely the way forward. If you don't already have a fake one but want one, then look into second hand options before buying brand new

If you prefer a real tree then firstly consider where you are getting it from and if they sell FSC certified trees (look for the logo). If you get one with roots then you can grow it outside after use indoors and keep using it - great all year round option! ​

TREECYCLE

If you end up killing off your tree (blame the kids or pets!) then make sure you recycle it appropriately. If you are in the Bournemouth area then -
(taken from the Echo)

Bournemouth council will be collecting real Christmas trees between January 9 and 20. You will need to make sure your Christmas tree is visible to the collection crews. Residents are asked to leave their trees at the edge of their property between 5am until 8pm on the opposite week to your recycling collection

Trees don't have to be limited to the green real or
fake ones. Recycle cardboard or use some natural wood to make something very unique 
​

​WHAT DO YOU PUT ON THE TREE? ​

We could fill posts upon posts on homemade Christmas decorations, from fir cone baubles to Christmas crackers made with toilet roll cardboard tubes (classic!). Pinterest, YouTube and Instagram will give you more ideas that you could ever have time to make but some of the key things to remember is to try and use what you already have or if needing new things then check they are at least compostable or recyclable.

Keep things natural with using things from the garden, this is especially great for making wreaths or for something more unique. 

Avoid using toxic glues or glitter (unless eco glitter) and then any pieces you don't want to keep for next year could then be popped back on the compost heap. 
​

LIGHTS

Lights really do add to such a cosy feel during winter and there are a couple of different ways you can keep that warm feeling without costing (you) the world! LED lights use up to 80% less energy so try and use these indoors and for outdoors look for solar powered lights and stick to timers so the energy is not wasted while we are all sleeping. 

Soy-wax candles are also a great way to light up a room too. With some natural essential oils you can really create a great ambiance. 

So as you can see there are lots of ways to keep waste down at Christmas time with the
biggest consideration being to think if you a) you can re use it? b) can you make it? c) if you are buying new.

Happy Holidays!