Gifts, packaging, Christmas tree … How to prepare an eco-responsible Christmas in Toulouse?
Christmas is fast approaching and with it the anxiety of finding the right gifts or even the ideal tree. The Independent Opinion has therefore listed his ideas for spending an eco-responsible Christmas in Toulouse. Regarding gifts, there are many shops focused on ecology in the pink city. There is for example the Mistinguette in Overalls, rue de la Colombette. In particular, it offers recycled mesh tights, recycled glass cups, 100% natural beard balm, and stainless steel safety razors.
The ephemeral concept-store of Creative Toulouse is also a great place to find eco-responsible products. Installed at Héméra Galerie, rue du Taur, until December 19, he met in front of local designers and their handmade products. The people of Toulouse can, for example, discover the soaps of “Chouette des Savonnettes”, the accessories for babies and children of “Joli tintamarre”, or the scented candles of “L’art Osé”.
Another concept store, but this time vintage: “Retropolis“. Located rue de la République. It is possible to find lamps, mirrors, vases, bags, clothes, hats… All retro. But also the jewelry of a Toulouse designer and bobs made from end of stocks of fabrics. Going back to the old one, the record store Pandemonium Record Store, rue Cujas, sale vintage vinyls easily likely to satisfy a music lover.
A Christmas market dedicated to recycling
The Christmas market is also an accessible place to find green gifts. This year, the eco-responsible stands are varied: decorative items made from recycled vinyls, natural wooden enclosures, cork accessories, organic cosmetics with alpine goat’s milk… When shopping, visitors can even take a break at the stand of the environmental association WWF Toulouse.
On the electricity side, the different lights of the Christmas market use low consumption LED bulbs. In addition, this new edition gives pride of place to recycling. Garbage sorting has been set up for both merchants and the public, with separation of the various recyclable wastes and household garbage. All exhibitors are also required to use biodegradable cups for serving drinks.
Tissue wrapping paper to limit waste
Waste always at the initiative of the brand UNIQLO. This presented a new collection of eco-responsible fabrics for wrapping Christmas gifts. These packaging are inspired by a Japanese tradition: Furoshiki. An ancestral technique based on folding and knotting methods. The collection is also produced thanks to a printer based in Kyoto. To succumb to fabric packaging, visit the UNIQLO store in Toulouse located on rue du Poids de l’Huile. Of course, you can use your own fabrics or even newspaper.
On the other hand, everyone will certainly receive a majority of gifts declared in the usual paper. In this configuration, sorting recommendations may be welcome. The company with a mission Citeo indicates to throw away plastic or glitter paper in the household garbage, as well as bubble wrap. Conversely, cardboard toy boxes should be thrown into the sorting bin, once the plastic elements have been removed. By the way, champagne bottles should be recycled without moderation.
The thorny question of the fir tree
Then comes the question of the Christmas tree, which is also recycled although it drop off at a recycling center, preferably in green waste. For the people of Toulouse, a biological solution is possible. 60 minutes from Toulouse is the domain of France Organic Fir, or some 100% organic fir trees grown in the Ariège Pyrenees are offered. According to figures from the Christmas tree nursery, 99% of the trees sold in France are grown with synthetic phytosanitary products and 20% from abroad. Here, it is a local producer certified Organic Agriculture who grows spruces and Nordmanns.
Other original and organic by-products are sold on site. Buyers can experience the fir syrup with buds, fir sinegar (a vinegar-based condiment), fir floral water, spruce or Nordmann essential oil, fir honey, or sachets of spruce fir shoots. Still more gift ideas.