5 tips for a responsible Christmas
It’s one of the most anticipated parties of the year for young and old, but its impact on the planet is greater than you might think. Decoration, gifts, meals… The Monegasque association Ecopolis gives us tips on how to spend a greener Christmas.
1. Fir: natural or synthetic ?
That’s the big question. For the Ecopolis association, it is preferable to choose a natural tree. Even if a cut tree is a dead tree, fir production is “reasoned and controlled and the fir trees are grown on acid soils which are insufficient for other crops”explain its members, who specify that 8 out of 10 fir trees are grown in France. When purchasing, look for the stickers : Blue plant, MPS, Organic farming: “They help to recognize fir trees grown with respect for the environment. »
And then, once the holidays are over, of course think about the recycling ! “No artificial snow or flocking on it which degrades the air with its polluting molecules! The natural fir tree can be recycled and transformed into compost by the SMA in Monaco. » In fact, to recycle your tree, all you have to do is put it in a specialized bin for its composting, you can also grind it to transform it into compost if you are lucky enough to have a garden. If it is in a pot, replant it without delay.
As to artificial treealthough it is reusable, it should keep it for at least 20 years – instead of 3 as usual – to limit its environmental impact. The volunteers also point out that the artificial tree, made of plastic, “is not biodegradable and often comes from Asian countries. » Finally, if we take manufacturing, transport and recycling into account, the natural tree wins the match with a carbon footprint 2.6 times lower than its artificial competitor. The ideal is still to make it yourself, with pieces of wood or on a plant. With a little imagination, anyone can do it!
2. Decorations: many can be homemade
Pour them fairy lights“opt for garlands to LED bulbs and possibly with integrated solar panels », recommend Ecopolis volunteers. LED bulbs are both economical, resistant and less dangerous, because they do not heat up. As for simple garlands, think of those Ecologically developed by associations. “In addition to being responsible, since they are made from recycled or natural materials, they are also supportive. » Otherwise, make them yourself with “multi-coloured ribbons, a bit of string and glue. » Homemade will always be the most ecological and economical solution!
Re the candles, prefer those based on vegetable wax, without perfume, while paying particular attention to the origin of the product. But again, you can create your candles yourself, taking inspiration from many tutorials on the web.
3. Gifts: 57% of Christmas CO2 emissions
Finding THE gift that will please is the Christmas puzzle… But sometimes, despite all the efforts made, it fails. 27% of French people say they have received gifts that they never use, which represents 12 million gifts. It sounds amazing, but “every year, nearly 1 million unwanted gifts are thrown directly into the trash”we say Ecopolis volunteers.
The polluting gifts, they represent more than half of the greenhouse gas emissions of Christmas. So first, let’s avoid them. ” gifts » useless for favor gift vouchers or experiences : a subscription to the cinema, to a magazine or to a sporting activity, a theater or concert ticket, vouchers for cooking, dance, foreign language lessons, a treatment, a dinner at the restaurant… the ideas are many.
For those who wish to offer a material gift, you always have the possibility of turning to the main second. For new construction, preference should be given “sustainable gifts and crafts, “made in Monaco”, “made in France” or “Italy”, and to avoid ordering online from the other side of the world. » For children, opt for toys that are battery-free, fragrance-free and made of wood with an environmental label rather than plastic. Also choose washable comforters in organic cotton.
Watch out for the packagesnot all paper is recyclable! “Choose FSC paper, lightly colored or with neutral subjects”, advise the members of Ecopolis, because glittery, metallic or plasticized papers are impossible to recycle. You can also create sustainable packaging, such as reusable gift boxes, fabric gift bags and pouches.
4. The meal: avoid red meat
The end-of-year celebrations are the time to have fun at the table, but there too, it is possible to be more responsible. First, know that the more meat there is on the Christmas table, the more your plate contributed to global warming. Note that red meat is particularly polluting, “it is therefore preferable to cook turkey or French capon”indicates Ecopolis. Fish remains a better optionprovided that it is wild and not farmed or victim of overfishing (better for example trout than salmon).
As an accompaniment: organic, seasonal and local fruits and vegetables ! Exit therefore the exotic products imported by plane… Fortunately, the champagne is French! Moreover, in terms of drinks, tap water served in a pretty carafe will have its little effect on the New Year’s Eve table. “Its possible taste of chlorine disappears after a brief stay in the refrigerator. »
5. After the party: no waste
To pay avoid wastethink ahead to establish a precise list of everything that is necessary to make the meal, and the the day after New Year’s Eve, cook the leftovers! “Chestnuts, pumpkins and sweet potatoes could turn into mashed potatoes or, tastier, into soups. The remains of the turkey will be perfect in a gratin or more original, in rillettes. Foie gras accompanied by a wonder of cocotte eggs. Salmon can be used in a pasta dish, a pie, a quiche”, lists one of the volunteers.
Finally, don’t forget to sort ! Glass in the green bin, cardboard and plastic packaging in the yellow bin, and food scraps in your compost. You now have all the keys in hand, all you have to do is keep yourself a Merry Christmas!