As the agenda of the COP26 climate summit unfolds, we have all started to realize the importance of looking after the planet that we call home. At the same time, the holiday season is around the corner. And, after spending several months bouncing from lockdowns to social distancing measures, from travel bans to self-isolation periods, we are all looking forward to the upcoming holiday season to spend time with our loved ones.
And, if there is a way to share your love with your family and friends, is sending a Christmas card. However, as the world is on the verge of a climate crisis and navigating times of economic uncertainty, there are plenty of alternatives to Christmas cards that can keep waste under control and protect the environment.
After all, recent statistics show that household waste increases by 25% over the holiday season, 2.65 billion cards are sent and thrown away during Christmas, and opting for an alternative to Christmas cards can help save up to 50,000 cubic yards of paper. Let’s look into greener ways to share your love.
Gift Flowers or a Houseplant!
The modern Christmas card tradition began over 100 years ago, and these cards have, since then, become the main way for people to communicate their love for their family and friends – especially those that could not celebrate the holiday season with them.
Nonetheless, sending a card is not the only way to communicate with your loved ones – nor the greenest!
For example, sending flowers or houseplants can achieve the same result – and they are much more sustainable choices! When choosing the right flower or plant, you can also craft a personalised message with the meaning of the specific species. For an even more eco-friendly solution, get in touch with a local florist to help you deliver your order.
Invest in Compostable Christmas Cards
If you really don’t want to give up the whole Christamas card tradition, you might consider shopping more mindfully for cards. Most types today involve a plastic film, ink, glitter, and white paper. When these cards are thrown away at the end of the holiday season, they can have a great impact on the environment, because they are not easily recyclable.
However, you can find much greener alternatives to standard holiday cards! For example, you might consider investing in compostable cards. These usually contain wildflower seeds in them and can be planted after the holiday season.
Add a Note to a Book
Books are undoubtedly the best Christmas present for everyone. And, you can always find the perfect book to give to everyone in your family or social circle. However, if you are just giving them a book, you might feel that the present is not as well-thought-through. In this case, you might consider adding a note to the book you are giving.
A few words is all you need to make the present more special and personalized – and the receiver might look back at the book in future years and think of you! Just don’t forget to add your message, date, and name. While this might be a simple addition, it can help you save on the financial and environmental cost of Christmas cards without compromises!
Rethink Present-Wrapping
Wrapping paper is one of the main contributors to the huge increase in household waste that happens over the holiday season. Firstly, wrapping paper often comes with plastic elements that make it particularly difficult to recycle and dispose of.
Additionally, wrapping paper is often used just once and will be thrown away in a matter of days. And the waste does not end here! The present wrapping also involves meters of ribbons, stickers, notes, and tape.
Luckily, several alternatives might be worth trying. Firstly, you might consider wrapping your presents on newspaper pages. While it might seem simple at first, you can add a natural decoration or leaves as an added touch of color and have a unique wrapping solution.
Alternatively, you might consider using a fabric cloth or even a sophisticated Furoshiki – a traditional wrapping cloth mostly used in Japan. These clothes can be repurposed and reused, or just make a great addition to every home.
Make a DIY Gift Personal With a Quote
If you are looking to add a personalized message to a DIY gift but you don’t wish to buy a wasteful Christmas card, you can check out other options. One of the best alternatives is to add a note written on just a simple piece of paper that you surely have at home. To make it extra personal, you might use happy holidays quotes, a poem, or just tailored wishes.
And don’t forget that creating a DIY gift instead of just ordering something on a large eCommerce marketplace is already a great alternative! By creating a gift with your own hands, you will prevent the impact of international shipping and ensure that what you give your loved ones is made with love and high-quality materials.
In terms of creating the right DIY gift, just use the crafts you have mastered or your interests! From gifting baked goods to knitted jumpers and hats to crochet creations, the only limit is your imagination!
Share a Meal Instead
Sometimes, you don’t need to invest in cards and presents to tell your loved ones how much you missed them and how happy you are to be back together. Since there is no better love language than sharing breakfast or dinner, you might consider inviting your loved ones to your home for a meal together instead of sending out gifts and cards.
While this might not involve opening presents, it can leave all of you with life-long memories.
If you just can’t meet your family this year, but you still want to experience the warmth of sharing a meal, you should consider sending a holiday basket. Don’t forget to include their favorite drink, baked goods, and snacks!
Volunteer
There are a few things that you can buy that will truly make you happy. Spending time helping others can be one of the best ways to feel happier, more fulfilled, and at peace with yourself. And, of course, in a moment of financial uncertainty, volunteering at a soup kitchen, vegetable farm, or animal sanctuary can truly help your community and the environment.
If you wish to make this experience even better, make sure to involve your whole family in this project! After all, there is no better way to give back to the community!
Opt for an Electronic Christmas Card
If you just want to send up a Christmas card but you wish to reduce the impact that this tradition has on the environment, you might consider sending out an electronic Christmas card. Whether it is in the form of a newsletter or it is sent out as a message, you can be sure to add all you need in your message, without having to affect your wallet or the environment.
Send Out a Holiday Video
You might not be able to meet up with your loved ones during this holiday season. However, if you have something you wish to share with them, technology is by your side. In fact, instead of sending out a recycled or electronic Christmas card, you should consider creating a holiday video – or just a brief video message! Your friends and family members will love to see your face, and you can have fun editing it!
Write a Letter
Lastly, some people in our lives deserve far more than just a Christmas card. However, this does not mean that you should overlook the impact that our choices have on the environment. Luckily, there are personal and touching ways to communicate that don’t affect the planet so much and allow us to communicate all of our love. Pick up a piece of paper and a pen and just write that letter!
