How to Create a Conscious Christmas
The Christmas period is in full swing and I have been thinking about ways that I can curate a more conscious holiday season for myself and my loved ones. Have a read of these 5 ways to create an ethical and sustainable Christmas in your home:
Swap out the Wrapping Paper
It’s mid-December and rubbish bins are overflowing. Did you know that our waste increases a whopping 30% at this time of year? It’s an insane amount. And, as Aussies, we use over 150,000 kms of wrapping paper over the festive season – enough to tie across our planet’s equator almost FOUR times. There are a bunch of great ways that you can ease this load on our landfill by reusing old gift wrap, bags, jars, material scraps, scarves or even Who Gives a Crap toilet wrapping!
Say NO to the Turkey
Empower yourselves with undertaking a compassionate Christmas this year by saying NO to the turkey at Christmas dinner. I’ve written an article on 10 Reasons Turkey Should be Kept off your Plate - do yourselves and these beautiful animals a favour and go give it a read. Turkeys are intelligent animals, and for the most part are now bred in poor conditions before being slaughtered for our Christmas meal. This is not only inhumane, but it is bad for the environment and for our health – studies have shown that turkey consumption is linked to higher rates of illness. Plus, there are an abundance of delicious alternatives on the market!
Gift Consciously
Giving and receiving presents under the tree is a magical part of Christmas. But it’s also a practice that can lead to peak consumption and we often get bitten by the Christmas bug that spins us into a daze of plastic purchases and mindless consumerism. However, it’s easy to be more conscious and eco-friendly whilst still partaking in this magical tradition. Take some time to think about the person that you are gifting to. What will they use? What do they need? I love practical gifts I know they will love, or gifts to encourage them to be more eco-friendly, like a reusable coffee cup or period cup. Or, if you’re feeling extra crafty and a little sentimental, try out these amazing DIY homemade gifts.
Feast on Plant-Based Goodness
This month I wrote an article on 6 of my favourite plant-based Christmas foods – I’m talking mince pies, rum balls, gravy and even a mouth-watering mushroom wellington. Use Christmas as an opportunity to make conscious, cruelty-free decisions, and to show your nearest and dearest just how delicious plant-based feasting can be!
Decorate Mindfully
I read an article last week that talked about just how bad tinsel is for the environment. I’m sure that most of us aren’t surprised to learn that, but it’s just another item that we are so accustomed to using that we don’t even think twice about! So please, reuse what you have, and think again before you buy new decorations. There are other ways to be more conscious too – make sure your Christmas lights are solar powered and have a crack at making your own bon bons for Christmas dinner!