Christmas has always been cozy and festive. However, it is common that after it, you will expect to deal with a huge amount of trash coming from gift wrappers and spoilt leftovers.
By now, you probably know that the world needs to decrease its waste accumulation. And below is what you can do to make the world cleaner.
1. Recycle your Christmas tree
Refrain from using synthetic trees.
Although it might sound surprising to you, according to environmentalists and energy analysts, it is greener to use a real Christmas tree rather than its synthetic equivalent for an obvious reason: the synthetic one is made of plastic, specifically the hard-to-recycle PVC.
Real Christmas trees, on the other hand, might not last long but it can be recycled. It has a durable wood that can be converted to wildlife shelters like bird boxes or garden ornaments.
Or if you want a cheaper option, buy pot-grown trees instead, which can be replanted once the season is over. As long as it lives, you will never have to buy a tree while also helping the environment decrease its carbon emissions.
But when you are buying a Christmas tree, make sure you buy it on the nearest producers so that there will be less carbon emission when transporting it to your door.
2. Use recyclable gift wrappers
Use recyclable gift wrappers.
Recycling gift wrappers are actually not uncommon. According to Any Junk, at least 50 percent of the people do it.
Before using gift wrappers, check its recyclability by scrunching it up. Papers that unfold on its own are usually the non-recyclable.
Other options include reusable paper bags and even colorful wrapping fabrics
3. Proper food preparation and storage
Plan your storing strategy in advance.
Another common post-Christmas trash is wasted food. Although the cold season could improve its shelf life, improper storage could hamper the process. When planning for your Christmas extravaganza, do not forget to include how you will store it once there is a leftover. For instance, baked chicken and turkey should be separated from its fillings and gravy because the latter freezes slowly and inhibits germ growth.Then, you can check for recipes online on how to give these leftovers a new look.
ALSO READ: How to store leftover foods?
4. Use LED Christmas lights
LED Christmas lights save more energy and last longer.
Making the world greener does not just end in reducing waste. Reducing carbon emissions is a part of it too.
Using LED Christmas lights instead of the incandescent variant could save energy up to 80 percent. Do the Math: less energy consumption means fewer emissions. The impact will be even more significant if all of us will use it.
But other than that, LED variants are more durable and could last longer.
5. Use eco-friendly Christmas decors
Use glass, brass or wood decors.
Many families treat its Christmas decorations as heirlooms that will be passed down from generation to generation, and that is great since it means less trash. However, if you are considering adding more decoration, the first thing to remember is to refrain from using plastic-based. Use glass, wood or brass.If you are using traditional candles, pick eco-friendly variants like soy and beeswax.