Christmas is now officially around the corner, the thoughts on everybody’s minds are turkeys, trees and tinsel. Christmas however, currently contributes majorly to the demise of our planet. This year is the year for a green Christmas. Try some of our simple changes that will make a big impact.

Trees

The question many people ask themselves each year is whether to buy a plastic tree or get a real one. Which is better for the environment. The simple answer is to get a real one. Plastic trees are made with harmful PVC plastic which does not degrade which will become harmful to the environment. Many real trees however are contributing to the ongoing deforestation problem we have. There are many ways however to reduce the impact of chopping down a tree. Many places now offer “tree rentals”. This is the chance to rent a real tree which is still live. These trees are brought in using pots so they may be replanted after the season has finished with them. If however, only a cut tree is for you, then there are many organic tree farms which are sustainable. Choosing somewhere close to your location when having it cut is also a great way to stay green by reducing the amount of carbon miles needed. 

Shop Online

Don’t waste fuel driving around from shop to shop when buying this years presents. Almost every shop you will visit now has the ability to shop online. This will save a lot of fuel and therefore help the environment. Through doing this as well you can have items shipped directly to the recipient with certain stores offering a “gift wrapped” packaging option. 

Food

Something that many do not take into account when it comes to Christmas is the impact of their meal. Many of us now buy everything we need from the supermarket for convenience. In doing this, we increase the amount of food miles (the distance food has to travel until it reaches your plate) by up to 6 times as many. Almost all of your Christmas meal can be bought at local farmers markets. This is good for both the environment and the local businesses. The meat for your meal can be ordered from local butchers or farmers ready for the day/just before, other things such as brussel sprouts can be bought at farmers market still on the stalk which means they will keep for approximately a week outside of the fridge. This will give you that extra space and reduce the amount of packaging used.

Gifts

Another great way to make it a green Christmas this year is through eco-giving. The concept of Eco-giving is to give presents that will directly help or help the receiver to become more eco-friendly. These gifts include things such as bicycles, bus passes, books on green living or membership/gift cards to organic food stores. The other way to stay eco-friendly is to make handmade gifts. Simple things such as baked goods, knitted garments or handmade ornaments made great environmentally friendly presents. 

Lights

Each year the amount of extra lights put up makes such a large impact that the difference can be seen from space! According to NASA parts of the earth are up to 50% brighter over the festive period. There are several ways to reduce this impact. The first is by switching to LEDs which can actually shine brighter for a mere fraction of the cost. This switch does not cost much and will save money in years to come just from the reduction in energy. The other way to reduce the impact of Christmas lights is to turn them off at night. You can buy cheap yet efficient systems which will put your lights and decorations on a timer meaning you don’t even have to remember to turn them off. 

All of these are simple switches which will make a big impact on keeping this planet safe. For all your cleaning needs across this festive period Cleanhome offer one-time or regular cleaners for an affordable price. Don’t miss our other great tips, tricks and life hacks on our social media and blog page.