Green Calgary

Redefine Green in 2011 Holiday Celebrations!

Christmas is a time for family, friends, celebrations and well…unfortunately a lot of waste. Canadians spend on average $800 per person on gifts, specialty foods and general “stuff” resulting in an additional few million tons of waste to our landfills and the most greenhouse gas intensive holiday of the year. Unwrap the following tips and tricks to put the “green” back into your holiday season.

Why spend money on Christmas cards, party invitations and stamps for something that will just end up in the recycling or garbage bin? Canada Post adds 575 daily flights to deliver the 787.3 million cards, letters and parcels during the holiday season. Reduce this demand by using electronic alternatives that can be customized with meaningful music and will easily track your guest lists.
Evite
123 Greetings
Blue Mountain

All too often the most “convenient” solution to a house full of hungry guests is to stock up on disposable plates, cups and cutlery. The consequence and effects of these conventional plastic products in our landfill is well known. Biodegradable and compostable varieties appear to be a great alternative at first glance, but there is a big difference between these categories that requires some attention. For instance, not all biodegradable products are created equal and a compostable product is only compostable if you actually put it into a composter, not the garbage bin. Do your homework and dispose of these products properly.

Permanent dishes, cutlery and glasses give your party a classy edge. Ask a few friends to bring their party supplies to supplement yours. The effort and water needed to wash a few dishes will be far less than the ongoing legacy of your celebration in the landfill. If washing the dishes isn’t your cup of tea, many local party supply rental companies will do them for you!

Your home can also look beautiful and festive, while remaining a healthy and sustainable place to celebrate. Use LED lights instead of wasteful incandescent varieties. Avoid petroleum-based candles with synthetic fragrance and off gassing plastic decorations. Instead, opt for beeswax or organic soy candles usually scented with non-toxic essential oils and make compostable garlands with popcorn, cranberries, and pine cones. Keep in mind that real cut trees can and should be composted and are a more environmentally sound choice than their articifical pvc counterparts.

The average meal in Canada travels 1500-4000 kilometers to get to us, and Christmas dinner and party foods are no exception. By purchasing local and organic foods, you can support a local farmer, eat delicious and health giving foods all while saving upwards of 12 tonnes of carbon emissions. Order a free range or organic turkey through Winter’s Turkeys and check out Community Natural Foods for exciting new party food ideas!

The commercial side of Christmas has exploded over the past few decades and many argue it has distorted the meaning of this holiday. While some people may be happy to have a gift free Christmas, others will be looking for a greener alternative to the consumerist frenzy and the one time wrapping job with shiny paper made in China. Some great ideas found at Planet Friendly include a Community Supported Agriculture membership, tools to plant a backyard garden, Fair Trade products or resources that educate about creating a more sustainable future. Seek out Canadian made gifts and support local businesses by purchasing gift certificates for a service that we all use anyway- like a haircut or an oil change. Purchase an ‘experience’ over something that will sit on a shelf, like theatre or concert tickets. Support local artists by shopping at Christmas art markets or better yet make your own gifts. Also, be sure to check out some of the great alternative gift wrapping and packaging ideas on our blog.

As we enter this holiday season, we will all do our planet and each other a world of good to remember what is truly important- time with family and friends, a strong community, loving gestures and conscious thought.

Happy Holidays everyone from the Green Calgary Team!

Other references woth checking out:
Julie-Ann Amos Green Christmas Party Guide
Green Muze: Green your Christmas
The Center for the New America Dream’s Simplify the Holidays Brochure

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