ACCG have lots of ideas for ways of enjoying the festive season without having a huge impact on climate or the environment – and without generating loads of waste. Find out more this weekend, at the St. Andrew’s Christmas Tree Festival, 3rd and 4th December,( https://www.ampthilltrees.org/) and at at the Rufus Centre Christmas Market on Sunday 4th December, (CHRISTMAS-MARKET.png (1448×2048) (flitwick.gov.uk)
If you miss us, here are our top tips for a Greener Christmas:
Be thoughtful with your gifts – consider certificates for buying a tree planted in a forest or a ‘donation to charity’, some house plants or locally crafted gifts. Try to buy gifts made from natural materials. Home made food gifts are always greatly appreciated and lastly charity shops are the ultimate recycling of gifts and often inexpensive for very high quality items.
Choose a growing Christmas tree – The best way to have an eco-friendly Christmas tree is to buy or rent one in a pot. This is less likely to shed needles, is not as bad for the environment and can cost less than a cut tree, especially if it can be returned. Hanging some decorations made from natural materials can look incredibly beautiful.
Choose Christmas cards and wrapping from sustainable sources – Look for cards with the FSC mark. Buy charity Christmas cards. Choose cards not wrapped in cellophane, and avoid glitter and foil. Or send digital cards.
Invest in your Advent calendar – a fabric or wooden calendar that you can reuse year after year quickly becomes a special family tradition. You can fill the pockets or drawers with whatever you really love. It doesn’t have to be chocolate! No waste afterwards either.
Consider dropping the Christmas crackers – Be imaginative – make your own crackers or invent your own family substitute for delivery of a hat, joke and tiny (non-plastic) gift
Buy local – get fruit and vegetables from the local farm shop, garden centre or market and take your own bag. Buy your turkey from your local butcher and take your own container. Shop locally for your gifts and buy items made locally.
Clean with less harsh products – Invest in cleaning products that do not damage our water systems and wildlife: remove limescale using lemon juice, clean the bath with bicarbonate of soda, use natural beeswax for wood and eco friendly soap/washing up liquid for grease. Using a refill system for cleaning products reduces plastic waste too.