Christmas tips that also make Mother Nature happy :)
“As a present, in the present, practical presence”
Christmas is the festival of love and family - gifts are 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 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 garbage collectors have 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, which normally already stands at 6.7 million tons per year, is rising.
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 in which 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 simply let go, free yourself from other restrictions and disciplines - perhaps 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 whole point of the spectacle! There shouldn't really be any pressure 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 gifts in a cool, reusable bag, which thus becomes part of the gift itself. You could also use materials you already have around the house, like newspaper or magazine pages. This can also give the gift a very special touch ;) A little 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 simply don't feel like going out again? That's where a secondhand collection like this definitely comes in handy.
2. Shop locally and ethically
Tradition is a wonderful thing that connects generations, but it may not be consistent with the desired sustainability and morals. Often, a lot of meat ends up on the plate—roast beef, foie gras, roast duck, and the typical Christmas goose. But rethinking the festive meal doesn't necessarily have to break such traditions. It's important to ensure that the meat is high-quality and, ideally, comes from a local supplier (this also applies to vegetables). The feast is something special, and it's not just the moment with family and friends that counts, but also what you consume! High-quality, regional products are guaranteed to please not only your family members, but also the local traders.
3. Secondhand and vintage items
Used doesn't necessarily mean useless—there are things that deserve a third, fourth, fifth chance, and more! Many hidden treasures are still waiting for the chance at a "new life."Such gifts can be even more special and unique than the things you find in department store windows. A cool secondhand find can be much more personal, sometimes cheaper, and a gift for the environment at the same time—long live the circular economy! Plus, it's so much fun to rummage through huge piles of things and then discover something beautiful. Almost like a little adrenaline rush!
4. Decoration? Go green!
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without sparkling fairy lights, glitter, and Christmas trees. Kitschy plastic Santas, deer, and other figurines are a must! But why not go green for a change? There's nothing better than the scent of fresh cinnamon and pine to give your home a festive feel. Not only does it look wonderful, it also significantly reduces unnecessary plastic waste! Candles are also a great, environmentally friendly alternative for creating an even cozier holiday atmosphere—although some caution is advised. Ultimately, though, there's nothing wrong with those familiar plastic Christmas figurines if you store them in the basement after use and reuse them 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? Let your surroundings inspire you and conjure up something for your loved ones that springs from your own creativity and comes from the bottom of your heart! Need some inspiration? 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 this! :)
6. Time
Simply give the gift of time – after all, what's more precious and fleeting than time? Time costs nothing in the truest sense, and by doing a special activity with a friend, girlfriend, 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, by planting a tree through an organization like Treedom. If you plant one yourself on your balcony or in your garden, there's 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 involved happy: the giver, the recipient, and our environment. Surprises can sometimes lead to mistakes, and besides, not everyone likes surprises. Therefore, in some cases, it can make sense to give exactly what the person needs or wants. Perhaps the person expresses a special wish. This prevents things from piling up uselessly in the apartment and never being used. Of course, some of the magic can be lost here, 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 present is not only incredibly personal, but also provides your loved ones with three full 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 to also take care of Mother Earth. Especially at this time of year, it's incredibly important to support small, local retailers and shops.
Christmas is much more enjoyable with a clear conscience. With that in mind:
MERRY CHRISTMAS
Your mybacs team
