The Recycling Council of British Columbia released a study that says if every family in Canada reduced its weekly waste during the holidays by just one kilogram, 34,000 tonnes of garbage would be eliminated.
There are several ways to be green when celebrating the holidays that are affordable and easy.
While looking for a tree this holiday, opt for a real tree over an artificial tree. Real trees are biodegradable and wont end up in landfills as artificial trees eventually do. However when buying a real tree, try and purchase from an environmentally conscious tree farm that replants trees for every one it cuts.
When it comes to decorating the tree, make homemade ornaments using odds and ends around the house. Egg cartons can be used to store ornaments as well.
As for Christmas lights, use LED lights, as the Ecology Action Centre in Nova Scotia says LED lights will use 90 per cent less energy than traditional Christmas lights.
However, wrapping is one of the greatest contributors to the trash bag during the holidays, so try to save and reuse wrapping paper, as well as using newspaper and leftover fabric as gift wrap.
For Christmas dinner, refrain from using disposable plates, cutlery or napkins or ask guests to bring their own in support of a green Christmas. A good alternative to disposable napkins are cloth napkins, which you can make from leftover cloth at home or purchase at most home stores.
As governments from around the world discuss how to combat climate change on a large scale, this holiday we can make a difference at home.
Let’s start a green trend for the holidays.