Amersham & Chalfont's Together November December 2023

JOURNALIST
Top 20 Tips for an
eco-friendly festive
season!
As we leap into the festive season, we
come together to appreciate our lives,
relationships and community. However,
this winter, let’s keep our precious planet in
mind too.
There are so many ways to decorate and
celebrate whilst keeping waste production, energy
consumption and our overall carbon footprints in
control. Here are easy and effective ways to have
a climate-friendly Christmas season:
Energy consumption and carbon footprint
1. Use LED lights for decorations which are more
efficient and durable… and you won’t burn your
fingers when decorating the tree!
2. Use Ecosia (or another environmentally focused
search engine) when searching for food, decoration
and gift ideas. Why not plant trees whilst you’re at
it!
3. Use public transport to keep the winter air clean
and avoid Boxing Day traffic jams!
Waste
4. Make handmade crackers and decorations for a
fun family activity and reduce plastic packaging!
5. Treasure the quality of gifts over the quantity!
6. Shop locally and sustainably by supporting
independent businesses!
7. Visit the local farmer’s market for quality, local
items!
8. Buy second hand items for kitchenware, clothing
and gifts which can come at great quality for a
fraction of the usual price!
9. Use recycled and biodegradable wrapping
paper, or none at all!
10. Send e-cards or plantable festive cards!
11. Re-wear festive outfits and jumpers or swap
with friends and family!
12. Gift someone an animal adoption for an
impactful, long-lasting memory!
13. Use a real tree grown with care instead of a
plastic one!
14. Use a second-hand plastic tree or re-use your
old plastic tree if a real one isn’t feasible!
15. You could rent a tree or even use your
houseplant as one!
Food
16. Go meat free or reduce the meat/dairy in your
festive meals to greatly decrease your Christmas
carbon emissions!
17. Buy organic produce with less plastic
packaging, which can be loose vegetables from
the farmer’s market for a delicious nut roast!
18. Eat seasonally and locally which includes
broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbages, kale, leeks,
and parsnips!
19. Sign yourself or someone else up to receive an
organic veggie box!
And lastly:
20. Talk about it!
The precarious situation of our planet can be
difficult to process and cope with alone. But we
are not alone. Let’s come together this Christmas
to support each other emotionally with the stress
that can arise from thinking about the climate crisis
and create change and positivity however we can.
Warmest wishes and a happy new year,
Sanchi
Sanchi is a student in Little Chalfont.
The three things she loves most are
nature, people and writing. Uniting
these, she aims to create a brighter,
greener world!
Sanchi
Disclaimer
Please note: the opinions and findings expressed in this article are
solely those of the author and should not be assumed to be those of
Amersham and Chalfont Together or its affiliates.
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