6 minute read
10 ways to have a sustainable Christmas
10 ways to have a more sustainable Christmas
With so many of us now seeking to make better choices towards a greener future. This Christmas is a brilliant time to be a part of the movement towards a more sustainable future.
From what we eat, to what we wear, where we shop and how we come together to learn about where our food comes from, there are so many ways we can all have a greener Christmas.
Most of our beloved veg heroes at Christmas, including potatoes, sprouts, carrots, leeks and parsnips, are all in season throughout the winter. Opting for seasonal, organic food means supporting the UK’s nature-friendly farmers, who grow using fewer pesticides, on
British farms that support diverse wildlife and healthy, living soils.
If you've been growing your own, we'd love to see your harvest - enter the Best in Show competition on our social media channels this December to showcase your winning winter veggies!
Though the festive season this year is set to be very different to what we expected, supporting organic and nature-friendly farming offers a simple, trusted way to make sure we can continue to live more sustainably over Christmas.
Here are 10 ways to help encourage positive change and make a difference
1
Eat with the seasons
this Christmas.
2
Cut back on festive food waste
Don’t let your leftovers go to waste this Christmas – we have a whole selection of zero-waste festive recipes to try, to ensure that your Christmas dinner is the gift that keeps on giving! Explore festive recipes:
soilassociation.org/recipes
3 Sign up for our online community Do we have your email address? When you join our monthly members’ emails, you'll be first to hear about the latest news, tips for sustainable living and what actions you can take to support our campaigns. Get in touch:
memb@soilassociation.org
4
Support your local independent shops
It’s never been more important to embrace our local independent! Opting to buy food from local farmers and producers in a nearby shop is a great way to show some love for the organic movement in your area this Christmas.
5
Give the gift of a Soil Association donation
By gifting a Soil Association donation this Christmas, you'll be further supporting our work with farmers to discover nature-friendly solutions, putting more good food on the table in schools and hospitals, and getting in front of Government to demand support for sustainable ways of farming. Give a gift donation this Christmas:
soilassociation.org/xmasgiftdonation
6
Sign a friend up for an organic veg box
Imagine the sight of a box filled with beautiful veg under the tree this Christmas! When you gift a friend or family member a veg box subscription, you’ll be signing them up to an amazing community of citizens, farmers and growers who are making sure the way we farm and eat is better for nature and the climate. Visit soilassociation.org/buy to find one in your area
7
Make an informed choice about your tree
Real vs. fake – the great Christmas tree debate continues! In our view, a real tree that’s been grown with care is the most sustainable choice for Christmas. If you’re looking for a sustainable Christmas tree that’s been grown using fewer pesticides, your best bet is a Forest Stewardship Council (FSC®) certified, or a Grown In Britain tree. These will have been responsibly managed and grown using a minimal amount of pesticides.
8
Get creative with your gift-wrap and decorations
It’s estimated that each year in Britain, we throw away enough wrapping paper to circle the globe 9 times. Learning inventive ways to wrap your gifts and decorate your home this year really can make a world of difference!
9
Rethink your Christmas gifts
Going green over the festive period doesn’t have to mean cutting back on gift giving. Get creative with your gifts and spark some joy this Christmas by enabling a loved one to get growing at home. Have you learnt any new skills in 2020? If you have the time, consider making an up-cycled or homemade gift yourself.
10
Wrap up warm in organic wool and cotton
If you’d like to update your wardrobe this Christmas, but are worried about the impact of fast fashion on the environment, look out for organic wool or cotton. These are two of the most sustainable materials you can buy: organic cotton farmers use natural methods to build healthy soils, save water and combat climate change, and when you see the Soil Association or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) logo, you can be sure the clothes you're buying are better for the planet, and the people who make them too.
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Evergreen Insurance Q&A
Evergreen Insurance Services was founded in 2017 by David Gardiner as an opportunity to provide businesses and consumers with the insurance solutions they need, whilst also giving back to support our natural world. Living Earth sat down with David to find out more.
Q Where did the idea for Evergreen Insurance Services come from?
I have a lifelong passion for our natural world, the animals that we share our planet with and the many other species that make up our habitats and it saddens me to see the constant destruction and cruelty to animals and wildlife. I wanted to do something to help.
Q What’s your motivation?
At Evergreen we wanted to do things differently. We are an ethical insurance broker with a focus on customer satisfaction whilst helping our friends in the natural world.
Q Why did you choose to work with the Soil Association?
As passionate supporters of many natural, wildlife and conservation charities, we saw an opportunity to help. We forego part of our commission from the insurers yet still provide great insurance products with fantastic customer service. It’s a win, win!
Q How does it work?
Evergreen donates up to 25% of their earnings back to the Soil Association, helping to support our vital work. The donation increases every year the insurance is renewed to a maximum of 25%. Evergreen’s aim is to help with ongoing funding through the arrangement of insurance.
Q You’re award-winning!
Yes! We won the Most Ethical Insurance Company Award 2020 from SME News and we were also named Most Ethical Insurance Provider at the Global Corporate Livewire Awards. We had to demonstrate extensive expertise and skills, dedication to customer service and client satisfaction and it’s a real honour to have our work recognised in this way.
Q What kind of insurance cover do you provide?
Everyone needs insurance whether it is for businesses or personal needs. From environmental consultancy, food, manufacturing, renewable energy, transportation through to personal homes, cars, holidays, travel, life and pets, Evergreen is here to help.
Q Why should someone choose you over another provider?
If you are looking for a more ethical approach to arranging your insurance and prefer the personal touch – good old customer service as it should be. No complicated phone systems just straight forward help with your enquiry with quality experienced team of staff.
To find out more about Evergreen and request your quote then please visit their website www.evergreeninsuranceservices.co.uk or call on 020 3907 1346.
