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Waste-Free Christmas – Greener Alternatives for Year-End Celebrations
Although this holiday season will undoubtedly be different from previous years, we must still make conscious decisions to protect our environment during Christmas.
Today’s blog post is all about #zerowaste and offers tips on how to reduce waste production at the end of the year with a bit of attention and effort. Let’s explore some packaging-free ideas!
Packaging-Free Gifts
According to 2019 data, the average monthly waste production per person in Hungary is approximately 30 kilograms. Out of the yearly 360 kilograms of waste, about 95 kilograms is paper, primarily used for packaging. Considering that even items bought in jars or tubs typically come with some form of paper packaging, it’s not surprising that there is a 10-15% increase in waste in December that ends up in the trash.
How to Change These Scary Numbers?
To tackle these frightening figures, we have two options: either completely eliminate packaging or use recycled solutions. Given that unwrapping gifts is an integral part of Christmas excitement, we don’t blame anyone for choosing the latter. Let’s see what we can do in this situation!
Tasty Treats in Jars
Do you have a cookie recipe that your friends love? Have you always wanted to make homemade eggnog? Are you tired of store-bought granola and looking for a healthier option? A great packaging-free gift idea is to place some sweets, cookies, or even homemade granola in a jar and give it to your loved ones.
Scarves and Tote Bags
Wrapping gifts in scarves or tote bags is a win-win: you choose a greener packaging option and give your loved ones something they can reuse. Both scarves and tote bags come in various prints and designs in stores, so you’re sure to find a unique one that fits the recipient perfectly.
Magazines Repurposed
You might not have thought of it, but using old magazines, newspapers, or even outdated maps to wrap gifts can look surprisingly good. If there are children in the family, grandparents will surely appreciate their drawings repurposed as gift wrap.
Packaging-Free Shopping
Christmas is a time for family feasts, usually preceded by hectic shopping trips. The most straightforward and eco-friendly solution is to visit packaging-free stores. Make sure to bring your reusable bags, and take along your containers, cloth bags, or any old jars you have at home!
What to Expect?
In these stores, you can find products in bulk, allowing you to buy exactly the amount you need instead of pre-packaged quantities. Don’t worry about the selection; packaging-free stores typically carry grains, bakery items, dairy products, spices, legumes, vegetables, fruits, nuts, pasta, and sometimes even cosmetics. If there isn’t a traditional packaging-free store near you, markets can also be a great alternative—just don’t forget to bring your containers and bags!
Planning is Key
To avoid unnecessary waste, plan your shopping ahead of time. If you create a shopping list or use the notes function on your phone to write down what you need, you’re less likely to make impulse purchases, buying things you didn’t originally intend to get. Fewer impulsively bought items mean less waste generated.
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By implementing these zero-waste ideas, you can enjoy a greener Christmas and contribute to reducing the environmental impact of the festive season. Happy eco-friendly holidays!
