On today’s article I’ll talk about some small steps that we can take to have a greener Christmas! This year I’m going to spend Christmas with my family at home! Las year, I spent Christmas on board of Corvo, so this year it’s my turn to stay ashore. As it isn’t possible for a Seafarer to spend every Christmas with the family, when you can you just want to spend them in the best way possible, and I want to do it the greener way possible as well. I’m not saying that I won’t have Christmas lights or stop having a Christmas tree because I wouldn’t want that either.

Christmas decorations:

I only signed off on December 6, so my search for Christmas decorations only started after that. As it is traditions at my home, we always buy a natural Christmas tree on a garden, so it has roots and it can be planted later, on our property.
Eventually I’ll have a pine forest at home! But not everyone has the possibility of planting all this trees at their homes. So, I decided to do some research to see what is more ecologic: a natural Christmas tree or an artificial one.

Artificial VS Natural Christmas tree:

Artificial Christmas tree:

This one is made from plastic, known as the nº1 ecological enemy nowadays… While growing up I always heard that artificial ones were more ecologic than the natural ones. But the truth is that an artificial tree needs to be reused for at least 8 Christmas before being a better option.

The natural Christmas tree:

For this type of tree, you must ask the gardener if the plantation is sustainable. There are places that accept the Christmas trees after the Christmas to give them a new life as wood for example.

Other options to make your Christmas greener:

Reuse Christmas decorations from past years:

Of course, you can buy that one new piece to complete your decorations but it’s important to reuse some of the Christmas decorations.

Reuse the wrapping paper or buy sustainable ones.

Beware that some of theme have plastic in their constitution.

Make your own gifts:

Me and my friends agreed, not only on Christmas, but specially on birthdays, to make our own gifts. Besides being more ecological, they have a deeper meaning.

Buy your food locally and biological:

Buy on a market near your home or on a farm/barn.

Avoid food waste:

Everyone loves to see the table full of food during Christmas but it is important to think about the number of guests we are going to receive to avoid wasting food.

Using LED lights:

These lights can save up to 80% of energy compared to the traditional twinkling incandescent lights.
There are a lot more ways to have a greener Christmas! But the most important step is to start taking some small actions concerning the issue.

And you? Do you thought about having a greener Christmas?