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Countdown to an Eco-friendly Christmas

Countdown to an Eco-friendly Christmas

by Catherine Earle in News

The first steps to making you Christmas Plastic Free

The horrors of a plastic Halloween are over — it’s now time to switch gears to Christmas. But it that doesn’t mean we have to endure another overload of plastic.

Christmas can be eco-friendly and plastic free, but it does require a bit of planning. We’ve put together some tips to help you reduce your plastic consumption this Christmas. It all starts with making a list and checking it twice.

GIFT WRAPPING

It’s time to get that box of “Christmas stuff” out of the cupboard. Hopefully you have wrapping paper stored from last year. If not, when you’re seeking out paper this year look for FSC paper and one that’s not wrapped in plastic wrap. Out of sticky tape? Now is a great time to switch to a biodegradable tape. Or take it one step further and wrap your gift the traditional Japanese way. Furoshiki uses a single piece of cloth to wrap a gift — no tape required. Bonus: it looks pretty special.

  • Ribbon is nice but we’re looking to avoid plastic so unless you’re opting for a cloth ribbon, hit the hardware store and pick up some twine, this creates a nice, natural eco look.
  • Do you have Christmas cards you were gifted last year? Cut the cards to make your own unique gift tags.
  • Fire up the dehydrator — cut up the lemons and limes (and any other fruit you have available) and get drying. A slice of dried orange is a lovely addition to your gift or as a Christmas tree decoration.

Gift Wrapping Shopping List:

✅ Brown (recycled) wrapping paper or last year’s wrapping paper
✅ Biodegradable sticky tape
✅ Material for wrapping that extra special gift
✅ Twine and dehydrated lemons and limes for a natural touch
✅ DIY gift tags from recycled Christmas cards

ECO CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS

Christmas decorations are usually pretty special items and are used year after year. When you’re adding to your decorations this year look for something that’s
a) not made of plastic and
b) something you know will last for generations to come.

Christmas Tree Decorations Shopping List:

✅ Plastic free
✅ Will create memories
✅ Will last for generations to come

CHRISTMAS PARTY DECORATIONS

Christmas parties is where we see a whole lot of plastic — some you cannot control and some you might not want to (aka boxes of chocolates or wrapped treats) but there are things you can do to lessen the plastic pollution impact — especially if you’re the host.

If you’re hosting a party this festive season choose to refuse and choose to reuse. We’re talking about all things here but specifically disposable cups, plates and cutlery. Sure it might be easier to clean up when you use disposable items but as Christmas is all about spending time with the family and friends, so is spending time in the kitchen. Washing dishes is all part of that quality family time — you won’t get that with disposables.

We know it’s common to put balloons outside the home, (or inside the office) to indicate that’s where’s the party is at — but this practice really need to stop. We’re lead to believe they're biodegradable, but balloons really are just single use plastic — especially foil balloons. Make a big paper sign, put out some lights — choose anything but balloons.

When you’re selecting your decorations for home or office parties — ask yourself: once Christmas is over will this simply be headed for landfill? If the answer is yes: put it back on the shelf. Natural items look great on tables, such as a bowl of nuts or cinnamon sticks wrapped in twine.

Decorating with scented candles are always popular at Christmas time — just be sure to buy candles that aren’t wrapped in plastic.

Small gifts for your guests are nice, and handmade makes them even more special. Bake some cookies and place them in a glass jar, add your homemade tag — it’s the perfect way to say Merry Christmas.

Now you’re all set with the gift wrapping, decorations and party preparations it’s time start shopping for eco-friendly gifts.

If you’d rather get the gifts before you even think about wrapping them, then bookmark this post and check back when you’re ready to get wrapping.

Looking for some plastic free gifting inspiration? Check out our blog post on Gifting without the Unnecessary Waste.

Enjoy the start of this crazy Christmas season — and remember to keep calm and keep it plastic free.

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The Yearly Christmas Debate: Real or Fake Tree?

The Yearly Christmas Debate: Real or Fake Tree?

You might be asking yourself this year — should I replace my old Christmas tree with a new store bought one? Perhaps you’ve just moved into a new home and you're unsure whether to choose a real tree or a plastic tree for your first Christmas? Or maybe you’re wondering if your decision to choose a real tree is actually doing more harm than good? We’ll look at all of those options and answer the question: “Is a real Christmas tree better than a plastic tree?” Firstly, unless you need to replace your existing Christmas tree with a new one, the best option is to keep it — or donate it to someone that will use it. Whatever it takes to keep the plastic tree out of landfill, that’s the best option. The next option is what to do if you’re getting a tree for the first time. Plastic or real? As this blog post is written by the owner of a plastic free store, you’re going to guess the answer will be real — but let’s weigh up the options. Plastic Christmas Trees vs Real Trees: SMALL AND COMPACT A cute little countertop tree is suitable for many people that live in apartments. But there are other, just as cute, and far more environmentally friendly options. My personal favourite? A pineapple Christmas tree. There are so many unique ways to decorate a pineapple tree: pop on some wooden sunglasses, add some fairy lights, or hang some ornaments on the pineapple leaves. Bonus: On Christmas Day or Boxing Day if you prefer to wait — you can simply cut the pineapple up and treat yourself to some delicious fruit, add it to a smoothie, enjoy it with yoghurt for breakfast — or make it part of your Christmas dessert. Plastic free ice cream anyone? No need to pack your Pineapple tree away in the storage room. Once you've cut that delicious, juicy fruit up, simply add the skin to your compost and if you live in a suitable environment, stick the pineapple head straight into the ground. You can now enjoy the same treat again year after year. LONG LASTING Buying a real tree may be financially out of reach for some people — so instead they choose the cheaper option of having a plastic tree that lasts a long time — one they can decorate with the family over and over again. You know what else lasts a really long time and doesn't harm the environment? A real living plant. While it would be ideal to have a potted pine tree, if that’s not a plant that’s native to your area, than any potted plant will do. You can start off with a small potted plant and place it outside in the new year. Live in an apartment and have no room to place it outside? See the above option with a pineapple tree, or simply buy a plant that can be left inside all year round. If you really want a pine tree, and you’re not interested in “pineapple” tree, and you have no room to store the plant inside your home come the New Year — then let your plant grow new roots — place it in the ground. Place it in your yard, watch it grow and decorate it outside each year. What a treat that will be for the kids to decorate their first tree again, and again for 20+ years to come. BIODEGRADABLE, RECYCLABLE & REUSABLE While a plastic tree may be reusable, it's most definitely not biodegradable or recyclable. Plastic Christmas trees aren’t recyclable, so when they’re inevitably thrown away, they end up in landfill, going nowhere fast. Still not convinced that a real tree is more eco-friendly here are some more sustainable reasons why you should say no to a plastic tree. While plastic trees are typically made in China, and shipped overseas - then shipped across the country to your local store, real trees are grown in your local area. So you know when you purchase a real tree you are not only supporting your local economy, you're also supporting the local flora and fauna. Real trees can be reused, replanted, recycled into mulch and/or composted. FIRE RESISTANCE Plastic Christmas trees on the other hand, are often treated with fire-resistant chemicals — reducing the risk of your tree catching on fire. However, plastic will still burn in the optimum conditions, and when it does the fumes are toxic. As long as a real tree has been properly maintained, meaning they are kept healthy, they are kept watered and they stay green they can be less of a fire danger. Experts also note that the placement of your real tree is also important: be sure to keep it away from heat sources and make sure you turn off the Christmas tree lights during the day and when you’re sleeping. Want some evidence? Check out this video demonstration of a watered Christmas tree vs. a dry tree.   CHRISTMAS TREE MAINTENANCE There is no denying it, real trees smell beautiful and they bring a wonderful feeling to the home. But there is a downside: real trees require maintenance. Just because you’ve cut it doesn’t mean it’s not still living. A real tree will require water and without water it will start shedding its pines. For some that might a mess they’d rather not deal with. In this instance a plastic tree would be more beneficial but when you weigh up all the other issues surrounding plastic trees such as the required storage in your home, the fact that one day that tree is going to landfill and will be polluting the environment long after you’ve left the planet — the inconvenience of watering the plant and cleaning up a few pine needles shouldn’t be a deterrent for getting a real tree. There are so many other benefits to having a real tree that outweigh the maintenance issue, such as: Unlike plastic trees, real trees don’t require intensive carbon emission from the production and shipping. They are typically locally grown and therefore support the local economy. Buying a real tree you will be not only supporting your local economy, but also supporting forests, that support the air that you breathe — it’s pretty hard to argue against that! Once the Christmas festivities are over a real tree can be turned into mulch and reused. If it’s stored in a pot over the Christmas period it can be repotted or replanted. Nothing beat the smell of a fresh pine tree. You can’t compare a fresh plastic scented tree to a fresh pine scented tree. One is nostalgic as a crisp, fresh evergreen and the other — well it smells like plastic. Christmas trees take approximately 10 years to grow to height of 6 feet. During that growth stage, they provide a habitat for wildlife and capture carbon from the atmosphere. Let’s be honest aside from there being less mess — there are no real benefits to having a plastic tree — it’s going to eventually end up in landfill, polluting the environment.

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Eco-friendly gift wrapping for any occasion

Eco-friendly gift wrapping for any occasion

Eco-friendly Christmas gift wrapping doesn't have to mean simply wrapping in brown paper and adding a gift tag — although it does make for a nice gift! You can spice up that brown paper by adding your own Christmas stamps to the paper, you can add a colourful ribbon, add some leaves or natural elements to the gift, or you can simply add an old Christmas decoration you received in a Christmas Cracker. The options are endless and are most definitely not "boring". If you're not into the traditional meaning of Christmas, but like to participate in the gift giving because it's fun, or you'd really like to share a gift with your loved one to say thanks for all they've done this year — then skip the traditional green and red paper and opt for something that will pique their interest. Does your loved one like to take long trips in the car? Do they love boating or long for a far away trip? Take and old (or new) map of your recipients favourite (or most desired) location and wrap up your gift in that. Purchased some fishing gear for your husband and he's always wanted to take a fishing trip to the Great Barrier Reef? Wrap up the gift in a map of the reef, I guarantee he'll be itching to know what's in the box! Furoshiki: Gift wrapping with fabric When you opt for eco-friendly gift wrapping, often it means you can easily skip the plastic, especially if you choose to wrap your gifts the traditional Japanese way. Furoshiki is the name given to cloth that Japanese used to transport clothing, gifts or other goods. Not only is this style of gift wrapping 100% plastic free, it's also a beautiful way to wrap a gift. Further more you don't necessarily need to wrap all your gifts in the fabric, you can also add a little plastic free gift on the outside. To assemble your furoshiki gift, take a piece of fabric, bring the opposite sides of the fabric together (top left and bottom right), and tie in a a knot. Then repeat the process on the other side. You may want to use a tea towel or apron to wrap your gift in, making it a two-in-one gift. As it's Christmas time, you may want to add a little extra effort to your gift and add another gift on the outside. We recommend eco-gifts such as a Long handle dishwashing brush, a wooden spoon, a bamboo hair brush or comb. Make it a Two-in-One-Gift Wrapping your gift in a gift — or adding a gift to your wrapping gift is the perfect two in one gift. If you've been following Eorth for a while now you'll know we are big fans of of the two-in-one gift. We mentioned a few two-in-one gift ideas in our post on Gifting Without the Unnecessary Waste. Don't forget that eco-friendly / plastic free gift wrapping doesn't end on Christmas Day. If you want to have a truly eco-friendly Christmas this year then remember to save all that wrapping paper, ribbons and trinkets so you can reuse them next year. You just saved yourself some time and money for next year's Christmas. Want to make your kids super anxious on Christmas Day? Take your time when unwrapping their gifts to you. Unwrap your gift ever so carefully so that you don't rip any of the Christmas paper. It's a great way to watch those paper tearing types go crazy — plus you'll know that you can fold that paper up at the end of the day and place in your "next years wrapping paper" box. It's a win for the environment and a win for your pocket. Gifts that require no wrapping at all If you won't be seeing your loved one for Christmas but still want to send them a gift — or you're looking for a last minute gift that doesn't require wrapping then electronic Gift Cards are the very best choice! Of course we recommend that you select a gift card that will allow the recipient to purchase gifts that won't harm the environment — or better yet buy a gift card for something that will help the environment such as a plant a Rainforest e-card. Whatever choices you make this Christmas, think eco-friendly and plastic free and you and the environment will be looking forward to a happier healthier eco-friendly New Year.

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Hosting a financially friendly and eco-conscious kids party

Hosting a financially friendly and eco-conscious kids party

Hosting a kid's birthday party can be a joyous occasion, but it often comes with a lot of waste and financial strain. From disposable decorations to single-use plates and cups, it can be challenging to host a party without producing a lot of garbage. Additionally, guests may feel pressured to buy expensive birthday presents, which can result in unnecessary waste and financial strain. However, with a little creativity and planning, it is possible to host a fun, sustainable, and budget-friendly party without creating a lot of waste. One easy way to reduce waste is to avoid buying balloons for the party, especially the metallic number balloons, representing the child’s age. Balloons may seem like a fun and festive decoration, but these polyurethane balloons are estimated to take up to a 450 years to degrade. When balloons end up in the environment, they pose a danger to wildlife that may ingest them or become entangled in them. By skipping balloons at your child's party, you can help reduce your environmental impact and teach your child the importance of sustainability. Another way to reduce waste is to request guests bring a coin(s) as a gift rather than bringing a physical present. This approach eliminates the waste that occurs when kids are gifted items they don't need or want, and allows children to choose gifts they will truly enjoy. If one or two dollars doesn’t seem like enough, you could increase the dollar amount, and split it into three segments. For example, make it a $10 gift. $4 can go towards an experience or gift, $3 for the kids Education Savings Fund (or another long term savings plan) and $3 is allocated to a charity of their choice. By encouraging children to save and give back, you can teach them valuable lessons about money management and generosity. Below are some other tips for hosting a sustainable and waste-free kids party: Use reusable or homemade decorations: Instead of buying disposable decorations that will end up in the trash, opt for reusable ones. For example, you can use bunting flags or homemade paper chains that can be stored and reused for future parties. Use real plates and cups: Instead of using disposable plates and cups, use real ones that can be washed and reused. If you’re concerned about breakage, opt for compostable plates and cutlery. Make your own food: Instead of buying pre-packaged snacks and treats, make your own. Homemade treats not only taste better, but they also eliminate the need for single-use packaging such as the large covers that are often placed. Give out sustainable party favours: Instead of giving out plastic toys or trinkets as party favours, consider giving out sustainable options like seed bombs: Kids love getting their hands dirty, so why not give them a chance to get involved in gardening? seed bombs are easy to make and can be tossed into a garden or planter to grow wildflowers. Compost: If you use a Bokaski or other composting system make sure to compost any food scraps and other compostable items such as paper napkins and decorations. You can also take the opportunity to educate other kids and parents on the benefits of composting. By incorporating these tips into your party planning, you can host a fun, sustainable, and budget-friendly party without creating a lot of waste. And by asking guests to bring coins for an experience or gift, their education savings fund, and a charity donation, you can teach children valuable lessons about money management and generosity while also reducing the financial strain on parents and lessening the stress of what to buy. It's a win for the party hosts, win for the birthday boy or girl, and a win for the environment!

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