How to be more eco-friendly at Christmas?

First, the data. AgroNews data shows that 9 million tons of food are wasted in Poland. As much as two million tons are wasted in our homes, which means that each of us throws away 4 kg of food every month. During Christmas this number is even higher. Additionally, we are leaders in terms of waste generation - in 2019, each of us generated as much as 332 kg of waste! This disturbing trend is growing, because last year there was 7 kg less garbage. Let's turn it around! The holidays are a great opportunity for this. How to do it?

Plan your purchases wisely.

You really don't need an extra kilo of meat just because it's on sale and it's a shame not to buy it. Make a list and stick to it, remembering that 10 kg of vegetable salad and 300 borscht dumplings are a bit too much. Does there have to be 12 dishes on the table? Maybe, but why? When shopping in the fruit and vegetable department, try not to pack them in disposable bags - you will reduce the amount of plastic waste. The same applies to decorations or gifts, but more on that in a moment.

Choose local producers.

Buy local and seasonal products - you will reduce your carbon footprint. It is better to buy less fish and meat, but of better quality. It is worth checking whether they have the appropriate certificates. What is left can not only be frozen, but also donated to a soup kitchen.

Don't buy another plastic Christmas tree.

We all like decorating the Christmas tree, but it's not worth buying another plastic tree. And if you choose live ones, you can consider planting them in a pot - they will last longer, and if you have a garden, you can transplant them into the ground later. Remember to water the tree. Or maybe instead of buying a Christmas tree, you will decorate the one that already grows in your garden, terrace or balcony? It also thujas coniferous plants and they look great decorated with lights and baubles.

Choose gifts that won't end up in the trash or attic.

We like finding gifts under the Christmas tree. But do we really need another pair of funny socks or other gadgets? It's worth thinking about a different type of gift - it could be a cinema or theater ticket, a concert ticket or anything else that will give you pleasure, allow you to have a good time and won't end up in the closet or in the storage room. At the same time, you will avoid another pile of garbage, this time made of decorative paper or bags. And if you receive a beautifully wrapped gift, save the packaging for another occasion - home recycling works great.

Make your own eco decorations.

The same applies to decorations - you probably have baubles, chains and lights from previous years at home. You don't have to buy new ones every year. Need more? Make decorations yourself! You can find many tutorials on the Internet with fantastic ideas for cute decorations. Making Christmas decorations at home can be great fun and an opportunity to spend time with your family. For example, beautifully decorated gingerbread cookies with decorative ribbons will work great as Christmas tree pendants, and children will have a lot of fun cutting out stars, angels or hearts. You can also hang dried orange slices on the tree - they look very decorative and fill the house with a beautiful scent.

Bibliography:

1. After the holidays, we throw away up to twice as much food as on a daily basis, December 20, 2019, banker.pl
2. Marcin Przybylski, Central Statistical Office: Poles produce more and more garbage, June 30, 2020, PAP Local Government Service, samorzad.pap.pl.
3. Anna Kuryłek, Eco Christmas. Can Christmas be zero waste?, mintmag.pl.