As much as I love Christmas, every year I become more aware of the waste and consumerism that is behind it. I thought it would be nice to write a post on small changes you can make to reduce your environmental impact, or little things you can do to help those less fortunate. So here we go!
- Change your wrapping paper: One of my favourite things is gift wrapping but this year I just can’t bring myself to buy all the single use plastic that comes with it. This year, I’ve taken it back to the old days with brown paper and string. I haven’t even used sellotape so that the paper can be fully recycled and the string can be used again.
- Swap cards for something else: A family member of mine announces each year that, instead of buying and sending Christmas cards, they’re going to spend the money on meals for the homeless instead. I think this is a wonderful idea as it not only reduces single use waste, but also helps those in need.
- Contribute to supermarket food collections: This is something I have also done this year. I donated three tins of beans to a food bank collection – a small gesture, but when combined with gestures from others, it makes a big difference. You could also think about donating pet food to local rescue shelters for the dogs and cats without a home this Christmas.
- Donate an extra gift: The Salvation Army are collecting donations for children who may not receive any presents on Christmas Day. You can find your nearest donation centre through their website: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/christmas-present-appeal
- Skip Christmas completely! Check in on yourself this festive period! Christmas isn’t always the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. Quite often we are pressured to spend money we don’t have and see people we don’t like. I love the film “Christmas with the Kranks” but I just wish that it had ended with them actually skipping Christmas. Put yourself first and decide if it’s all really worth it.
Do you have any suggestions on ways to make little changes this Christmas? Let me know in the comments below!
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year!
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Thanks for reading!
