A Simple Christmas 2004...
I'm Dreaming of a Green Christmas
Christmas comes our way once more. It's difficult not to succumb to the advertising and hype enticing us to buy, buy buy! Some of us spend as much as 70 percent of our discretionary income in November & December. Christmas accounts for more than a fifth of retail sales and two-fifths of store profits.
But these figures don't come close to acknowledging the outrageous amount of waste produced each Christmas. Needle-bare Christmas trees, bags of crushed wrapping paper, and discarded packaging sit in mounds at the curb each December 26th. The production of gifts, decorations, party supplies, and travel for shopping places an even greater burden on our environment and natural resources.
We could guess that Jesus would be pleased if we honored his birthday and showed consideration for God's creation at the same time. The following ideas can help make your Christmas "green." Many of the ideas will be familiar, others new. When you use even one alternative, you will be taking a step toward greening up the Christmas season.
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Consider purchasing a live tree that can be planted in the yard.
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Use an artificial tree. (Buy a well-made artificial tree that will last for years as the manufacture of plastic trees causes toxic pollution).
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If you buy a cut tree, remember to recycle it after the holidays.
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Use discarded toys, scrap materials, bits of ribbon and some imagination to create a myriad of ornaments.
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Use the front of old Christmas cards to decorate walls and doorways - or to make new Christmas cards!
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Consider how a gift is packaged before you buy. Is the packaging recyclable? Is there too much packaging?
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Give fair-trade gifts made by craftspeople around the globe earning a living wage and with sustainable practices.
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Buy gifts that the recipient really needs and will use.
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Buy recycled wrapping paper, wrap gifts using old maps or comics. Wrap a gift in a pillow case, decorative towel or t-shirt - the wrapping can be part of the gift!
Last updated
November 28, 2004
A project of St.
Philip Neri Catholic Church