Christmas, an annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ is round the corner and preparations have already begun. From selecting gifts for our loved ones to wrapping them in the most elegant and beautiful wrapping paper, from giving a rich new look to our house to planning a Christmas party, all these things are a part and parcel of Christmas celebration. While we prepare for the festive cheer, knowingly or unknowingly we generate a lot of waste.
India generates 62 million metric tonnes of waste every year of which only 25% is recycled. Wondering what happens to the rest of the waste? Well, rest of the waste is dumped at the landfill sites. India’s landfills are already dying because of the tremendous amount of garbage dumped by us. But with our small efforts we can bring a big change and help in making this situation a little better.
As 2017 is coming to an end, let’s give some relief to the landfills and make the last festival of the year waste free. Here are 5 ways in which you can celebrate a waste free Christmas:
1. Go Back To Basics And Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
We all have heard about the 3Rs i.e., reduce, reuse, recycle, but the question that arises is how to use these 3Rs during Christmas. Festive cheer brings in a lot of delicacies and drinks. Once the content is finished, we simply discard food containers and bottles. Instead of mindlessly throwing away things like empty drinks bottles, food containers, jam jars, think how you can upcycle them as a little bit of creativity goes a long way. Reuse empty jars and bottles by either painting them or putting in fairy lights and use them to pep up your decoration. Reusing empty containers will also help in reducing the waste. You can also opt for recycled products for both decoration and gifting purpose. There are many stores where you can find recycled products.
Also Read: Do It Yourself: Here’s How You Can Treat Flower Waste And Turn It Into Everyday Use Items
2. Make The Wrapping Part Of The Gift
How about a wrapping that can function as both wrapping and a gift? Recycled jam jars can work well to pack cookies, sweets or any other edible item. You can pack wine bottle in hand towel or a piece of cloth. You can also combine gifts and put it inside a beautiful hand bag, later that bag can come handy in everyday use.
3. Break The Monotony And Opt For Earth Friendly Gifts
Chocolates, cookies, cakes, wine, jewellery, and clothing are something which almost everyone gifts. A gift should be both unique and useful. Sapling or a potted plant can be one of the best gifts, especially for someone who is environment conscious. A plant will always make that person remember you. The more the person nurtures the plant, the stronger your bond will be.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
4. Switch To DIYs For Décor
Every year we buy new decorative items and as soon as the festivities come to an halt, we simply discard them. Instead of purchasing decorative, make something on your own. This will not only make you feel happy, but will also minimise the impact on the environment. Small gifts and balls that we hang on Christmas tree can be made at home using matchboxes or discarded home foil. A wreath can be made using some leaves and cardboard cut into a circular form.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
5. Make Your Own Christmas Tree
How about adding love, emotions and feelings to the joyous festival? Ditch purchasing a Christmas tree and make one on your own. Self-made Christmas tree might not be the best one in the town, but it will surely grab eye balls as it will stand out. Wondering how to make one? Go to a garden and collect twigs. Make a tree using twigs and decorate it with fairy lights or paint it or just leave it like that. You can also make a tree with the help of empty pet bottles and decorate it with waste products.
Image Courtesy: Pinterest
