Christmas tips that will also make Mother Nature happy :)
“As a present, in the present, practical presence”
Christmas is the festival of love and family – and gifts are, of course, a must to express appreciation for loved ones. But unfortunately, one very special family member is often forgotten – Mother Earth. In recent years, the festival of love has mutated into a festival of consumption: crumpled wrapping paper, plastic waste, and enormous food waste. The list goes on and on… At Christmas, we produce about 20% more waste than during the rest of the year. Even the garbage collection service has to work extra shifts during the holidays! On average, 8,000 tons of packaging waste are generated in Germany on Christmas Eve. In addition, food waste increases, which normally already amounts to 6.7 million tons per year.
With a little more mindfulness during the festive season, this doesn't necessarily have to be the case. What is certain is that the Christmas season is a special time when we should do nothing but enjoy the beautiful moments with our loved ones in the here and now! Christmas is a time to truly let go, to free ourselves from our usual restrictions and disciplines – perhaps indulge in something unhealthy here and there or treat ourselves to an extra glass of wine. And that's exactly how it should be – because enjoying time with family and friends to the fullest is, after all, the whole point of the festivities! Nothing during the Christmas season should be characterized by obligation, and this also applies to the topic of sustainability. An environmentally conscious celebration requires some preparation, but it is absolutely doable and doesn't require any additional stress.
We've compiled the ultimate tips and tricks that are guaranteed to bring a smile to our planet:
1. Reusable gift wrap
Present your loved ones with gifts in a cool, reusable bag that becomes part of the gift itself. You could also use materials you already have around the house, like newspaper or magazine pages. This can give the gift a really special touch ;) A little pro tip: Keep paper gift bags and reuse them for giving gifts. How often does it happen that you don't have suitable packaging on hand, the shops are already closed, or you simply don't feel like going out again? That's when a second-hand collection like this definitely comes in handy.
2. Shop locally and ethically
Tradition is a wonderful thing that connects generations, but it might not always align with our desired sustainability and ethical values. Often, a lot of meat ends up on the plate – roast beef, foie gras, roast duck, and the quintessential Christmas goose. Rethinking the festive meal doesn't necessarily mean breaking with such traditions. It's essential to ensure that the meat is high-quality and ideally sourced from a local producer (the same applies to vegetables). The festive meal is something special, and it's not just the moment spent with family and friends that matters, but also what we consume! High-quality, regional products are guaranteed to please not only your family members, but also local businesses.
3. Secondhand and vintage items
Used doesn't necessarily mean unused – there are things that deserve a third, fourth, fifth chance and even more! Many hidden treasures are still waiting for the chance of a "new life".Such gifts can be much more special and unique than the things you find in department store windows. A cool secondhand find can be much more personal, is sometimes cheaper, and is also a gift to the environment – long live the circular economy! Besides, it's especially fun to rummage through huge piles of stuff and then discover something beautiful. Almost like a little adrenaline rush!
4. Decoration? Go Green!
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas if it weren't teeming with twinkling lights, glitter, and Christmas trees. And of course, the kitschy plastic Santas, reindeer, and other figures are a must! But why not embrace a bit more greenery? There's nothing better than the scent of fresh cinnamon and pine to create a festive atmosphere in your home. It not only looks wonderful but also drastically reduces unnecessary plastic waste! Candles are also a great eco-friendly alternative for creating an even cozier holiday ambiance—although, of course, some caution is advised. Ultimately, there's certainly nothing wrong with the familiar plastic Christmas figures if you store them away in the basement after use and reuse them next year!
5. DIY - Homemade Touch
Unleash your inner craftsperson, artist, chemist, or writer. Who says you need formal training or a PhD to get creative? Let your surroundings inspire you and conjure up something for your loved ones that springs entirely from your own creativity and comes straight from the heart! Need a little inspiration? How about a painting, a poem, or a homemade lip scrub made with coconut oil, (brown) sugar, and honey? A DIY lip scrub isn't just useful, it leaves a wonderful taste, completely chemical-free – it doesn't get any sweeter or more sustainable than that! :)
6. Time
The classic gift of time is simply the gift of giving – because what could be more precious and fleeting than time? Time itself costs nothing, and by sharing a special activity with a friend or family member, you're guaranteed not to waste your time! Of course, it's important to actually follow through on this gift and not just make an empty promise! ;)
7. Give to Mother Nature
For example, you could plant a tree through an organization like Treedom. Of course, if you're planting your own on the balcony or in the garden, there's always the option of giving seeds as a gift. Spread the green love and bring some Christmas joy to Mother Nature and your loved ones!
8. No surprises!
Yes, we have to admit, this is the least exciting tip, but it actually makes everyone involved happy: the giver, the recipient, and our environment. Surprises can sometimes lead to missteps, and besides, not everyone likes surprises. That's why, in some cases, it can make sense to give exactly what the person needs or wants. Perhaps the person will express a special wish. This prevents things from piling up uselessly in the apartment and never being used. Of course, the magic might be somewhat lost this way, but it's definitely not a bad approach.
9. Dailybacs Gift Box
Give the gift of health to your loved ones.With the Dailybacs gift box for men and women, your gift is not only incredibly personal, but also provides your loved ones with three whole months of happiness and health – and of course, sustainability is a top priority in the production and packaging! This gift benefits not only the body's ecosystem, but also our planet.
We wish you a wonderful Advent season and a peaceful Christmas. Enjoy it to the fullest, but don't forget to also consider Mother Earth. Especially during these times, it is of great importance to support small, local businesses and shops.
Christmas is so much more enjoyable when you have a clear conscience. With that in mind:
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Your mybacs team
