Tips for Christmas that also make Mother Nature happy :)
“As a present, in the present, practical presence”
Christmas is the festival of love and family - of course, presents are a must to express appreciation for loved ones. But unfortunately, a very special family member is often forgotten - Mother Earth. In recent years, the festival of love has mutated into a festival of consumerism: crumpled wrapping paper, plastic waste and enormous food waste. The list is endless... At Christmas, we produce around 20% more waste than during the rest of the year. Even the garbage collectors have to work extra shifts during the holidays! On average, 8,000 tons of packaging waste are generated on Christmas Eve in Germany. In addition, food waste, which normally already amounts to 6.7 million tons per year, is increasing.
With a little more mindfulness during the contemplative days, 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 when you can just really let go, free yourself from other restrictions and disciplines - maybe indulge in something unhealthy here and there or treat yourself to an extra glass. That's exactly how it should be - after all, enjoying time with family and friends to the fullest is the point of the spectacle! Nothing should be forced during the Christmas season and that 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 have listed the ultimate tips and tricks for you, with which you are guaranteed to give our planet a smile:
1. Reusable wrapping paper
For example, give your loved ones your presents in a cool reusable bag, which then becomes part of the gift. You could also use materials that you already have in the house, such as newspaper or magazine pages. This can also give the gift a very special touch ;) Small pro tip: keep paper gift bags and reuse them for gifts. How often does it happen that you don't have suitable packaging on hand and the shops are perhaps already closed or you just don't feel like going out again? This is where a second-hand collection like this definitely comes in handy.
2. Shop locally and ethically
Tradition is a beautiful thing that connects generations, but it may not be consistent with the desired sustainability and morality. Often there is a lot of meat on the plate - roast beef, foie gras, roast duck and the typical Christmas goose. But rethinking the feast does not necessarily have to break such a tradition. In any case, care should be taken to ensure that the meat is of high quality and, ideally, comes from a local retailer (this also applies to vegetables). The feast is something special and it is not just the moment with family and friends that counts, but also what you consume! High-quality and regional products are guaranteed to please not only your family members, you are also doing something good for local retailers.
3. Secondhand and vintage items
Used doesn't necessarily mean useless - there are also things that deserve a 3rd, 4th, 5th chance and even more! Many hidden treasures are still waiting for the chance at a "new life". Such gifts can be much more special and unique than the things you find in department store windows. A cool second-hand find can be much more personal, is sometimes cheaper and is also a gift for the environment - long live the "circular economy"! It's also a lot of fun to rummage around in huge piles and then discover something beautiful in them. Almost like a little adrenaline kick!
4. Decoration? Go Green!
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas if everything wasn't full of sparkling fairy lights, glitter and Christmas trees. And of course the kitschy plastic Santas, deer and other figures are a must! But why not go for green? There's nothing better than the scent of fresh cinnamon and pine to give your home a festive look. Not only does it look wonderful, it also reduces unnecessary plastic waste enormously! Candles are also a great environmentally friendly alternative to create an even cozier holiday atmosphere - although a little caution is of course required here. Ultimately, there's nothing wrong with the well-known plastic Christmas figures if you store them in the basement after use and use them again next year!
5. DIY - Homemade Touch
Awaken your inner craftsman, artist, chemist or writer. Who says you need a degree or a doctorate to get your hands dirty? Get inspired by your surroundings and conjure up something for your loved ones that comes from your own creativity and from the bottom of your heart! Need some food for thought? How about a painting, a poem or a homemade lip scrub made from coconut oil, (brown) sugar and honey. A DIY lip scrub is not only useful, but also leaves a wonderful taste, completely chemical-free - it doesn't get any sweeter or more sustainable than that! :)
6th period
Simply give the gift of time - because what is more valuable and fleeting than time? Time costs nothing in the direct sense and by doing a special activity together with a friend or family member, you are guaranteed not to waste your time! Of course, it is important to really follow through on this gift and not just make an empty promise! ;)
7. Give to Mother Nature
For example, by planting a tree through an organization like Treedom. If you plant one yourself on the balcony or in the garden, there is of course always the option of giving away seeds. Spread the green love and give Mother Nature and your loved ones some Christmas joy!
8. No surprises!
Yes, we have to admit, this is the least exciting tip, but it actually makes everyone happy: the giver, the recipient and our environment. Surprises can sometimes lead to mistakes 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. Maybe the person expresses a special wish. You avoid things piling up uselessly in the apartment and never being used. Of course, the magic can be lost a little here, but it is definitely not a wrong 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 super personal, but also provides your loved ones with 3 whole months of happiness and health - and of course, sustainability is not neglected in the production and packaging! This gift is not only good for the body's ecosystem, but also for our planet.
We wish you a wonderful Advent season and a peaceful Christmas. Enjoy it to the fullest, but don't forget that you should also include our Mother Earth. Especially at this time, it is very important to support small, local retailers and shops.
With a clear conscience, Christmas can be enjoyed much better. With this in mind:
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Your mybacs team
