Dreaming of a green Christmas?

SACHA VAN NIEKERK

WHEN the tree goes up, it’s officially the festive season in most people’s homes. However, with the startling effects of pollution, we’re starting to become more conscious of the waste we produce and how we can reduce our contributions. However, attempting to cut out all waste from Christmas planning is an enormous feat. Starting small and building on that change is a more manageable approach and opting for a waste-free tree seems like the most significant start.

Here are our eco tree and decorating ideas:

Forage for decorations

Go on the hunt for decorations while on a walk. Whether it’s pinecones, dried leaves, flowers, pebbles or seashells, whatever you forage for can be tied to your tree as a decoration. Use a nail and hammer to chip holes into the sea shells and a jewellery drill to carefully pierce through pebbles. Markers, paint and pastels will add the finishing touches to the rocks before looping twine through their holes and hanging. Christmas tree. If it’s sturdy enough, decorate it with homemade ornaments that are light enough so they don’t damage delicate branches and leaves.

Wrapping paper

Instead of buying wrapping paper every year, start saving paper, gift boxes and bags from birthdays and other celebrations throughout the year.

Old newspapers and brown paper grocery bags can also be decorated with paint for wrapping, plus they have that charming homemade appeal that people appreciate.

Or, you can invest in a Christmas sack that’s filled with each person’s presents that can be reused year after year.

Recycle

Sometimes avoiding waste is impossible. To counter this, make a point of recycling any rubbish. Remember to rinse out any food containers to remove residue and remove metal (such as staples, screws and wires that secure toys in their boxes) when throwing away these recyclable items.