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Eco-XMas Challenge! 10 ideas to make your Christmas sustainable

No matter where you spend Christmas, there are things you can keep in mind to make it a time to reaffirm or start your commitment to sustainability. Will you join Plan Zero’s Eco-XMas Challenge?

The holiday season is a time of joy, togetherness and generosity, but it can also be a time of overconsumption and waste. In a world where sustainability is increasingly crucial, it is essential to rethink our Christmas traditions in order to celebrate the holidays in a more conscious way, whether you are here or abroad. Here are 10 ideas for a more sustainable Christmas. Can you do them all?

🎁 1. Gifts with Purpose

Choosing a gift can be a big challenge in itself, but don’t panic! Opt for meaningful and sustainable gifts. Prioritize experiences to live rather than just use, look for handmade items, local or second-hand products that mean a gift to the recipient, but also to the person who makes it and to the planet. And if you dare, make your own gifts! Nothing can beat something this special.

📦 2. Ecological packaging

Did you know that shiny wrapping paper can’t be recycled? Try to make sure your gifts require as little packaging as possible, or at least recyclable. When it comes to wrapping, reuse wrapping paper you have on hand, use recycled materials, or find alternatives like tissues, old newspapers, magazines, or even decorated boxes that can be reused. Be imaginative!

🎅 3. Sustainable Decoration

Most of us have a big cardboard box full of Christmas decorations that we keep from one year to the next. Nothing is more eco-friendly than traditional reuse! But if you need to incorporate something new or start this annual box from scratch, here are some ideas. Create Christmas decorations with natural and reusable elements: pine branches, pine cones, nuts; or you can also use recycled materials: cardboard, cardstock, thread, old clothes… let your imagination run wild, or take a look at Pinterest! You will enjoy decorations with a unique and sustainable touch, and also the time to make them.

Extra tip: We know that glitter will blind you with its sparkling charm, but it is tiny microplastic particles that are seriously endangering the planet. Avoid it!

🎄 4. Eco-friendly Christmas tree

Opt for a real Christmas tree as long as it can be replanted after the holidays. Otherwise, consider a high-quality artificial tree that can be reused for years to come. In addition to the classic plastic tree varieties, there are also other varieties made of wood, metal, or even fabric that can last a long time and become part of your Christmas tradition for a long time.

🏘️ 5. Be local

Support local businesses by purchasing food and holiday products beyond gifts. Try to choose small businesses and brick-and-mortar stores instead of big box stores. You’ll reduce your carbon footprint while helping your community’s economy.

🥗 6. Sustainable Menus

Plan Christmas meals with local and seasonal ingredients. Not only will they be healthier options, but local markets offer options with less unnecessary plastic and packaging. Also, did you know that opting for vegetarian or vegan options can be beneficial for both the environment and your health? Opting for a menu with less meat will be a win-win! And if there is something left over, don’t throw it away, the next day you can turn it into a new meal with a little love. Yes, you can make croquettes with anything 😉

🕯️ 7. Efficient Lighting

Use energy-efficient LED lights for decoration. These lights use less energy and last longer, which reduces both electricity costs and environmental impact. And above all, don’t leave decorations on all night or when you’re not going to be home.

🗑️ 8. Waste Reduction

Both with food and gifts. Avoid waste by planning the necessary quantities of food and storing leftovers appropriately. Also avoid over-gifting: quality is better than quantity. Think about whether what you are giving will have a long shelf life or if, on the contrary, it is something dispensable.

✊ 9. Gifts with a Cause:

Consider giving to charities or causes in the name of your loved ones. You can support projects that promote sustainability, education, or environmental protection.

🙏 10. Reflection and Gratitude

Remember the true spirit of Christmas: love, togetherness and gratitude. Take advantage of this time to reflect on the importance of caring for the planet, understanding the society in which we live and being thankful for what we have. It is also time to plan the new year. What are your new goals going to be? Do you have a plan? If you would like to discover the world and learn to be a #changemaker, at Plan Zero we can help you.

As you’ve seen, the holiday season is an ideal time to adopt more sustainable practices and foster a positive impact on the world. How many do you think you can accomplish? Happy and sustainable holidays!

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