The more December "runs" calendar-wise, the more we get into a festive mood, looking for the best gifts for our loved ones. However, this makes us forget that our choices are harming the environment, contributing to more waste and gas emissions.
Really, how many of us think about the real consequences of gift exchange? Both making them and sending them has a huge cost to the planet as it causes large amounts of gas emissions along with the waste from gifts and packaging. In America alone, nearly 25% more trash is thrown away between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day compared to other times, according to Stanford University. What does this mean? That it causes 25 million extra tons of waste.
On the occasion of the holidays and adopting a greener lifestyle, Rebecca Benner of The Nature Conservancy, suggested to CNN some "life-saving" alternatives that will reduce our footprint on the planet in terms of at least Christmas gifts.
Reduce plastic and packaging
This means consolidating shipments into as few orders as possible for fewer trips for delivery.
Use recycled or recyclable wrapping paper
For wrapping, utilize old newspapers or recycled paper. According to Stanford, if every family in the US wrapped just three gifts with recycled materials, that would save enough paper to cover 45,000 football fields.
Shop local
When you support small businesses and local shops, you limit how far those products have to be shipped, and that significantly reduces emissions.
Make DIY gifts
In addition to putting your love and all your imagination into making more personal gifts, you'll significantly reduce your carbon footprint by doing so.
Go shopping less often
It is much better to go shopping once in a while rather than all the time as this way you will only buy what you have on your list. You can even go in the same car with a friend.
Give gifts with more meaning
Think of something that will have more meaning as a gift for a friend than the trivial ones (which will also affect the planet).
Give them something they want
This move is far preferable to gifts that end up in bins and go unused.
Make a donation in their name
The holidays can be the perfect time to show generosity and be innovative.
Give them new experiences
Experiences make people happier than material goods, according to the expert. Maybe it's dance, cooking or knitting lessons, or even helping them get a scuba diving license. Anything alternative and original can really save the planet, even at the last minute.
Source: jenny.gr
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
