Even if you’re rooting for a “winter wonderland” this seaon, we should all keep our holidays as “green” as possible. Here are 5 tips to keep you on your toes, so we can all reduce our carbon footprint:
1. HAVE AN UGLY SWEATER PARTY.
Getting cold looking at that snow coming down? Why not cook dinner and have company over? The body warmth and heat from the oven will help compensate for cooler temperatures. The warmest solution: Invite people over for an ugly sweater dinner party.
2. SHOP LOCALLY.
When you shop locally, you will find unique items that haven’t traveled thousands of miles. This will reduce your carbon footprint and support local businesses. You will also “spare the air” by not driving long distances. One example: Toronto’s Ecofinery, which was recently profiled in our November newsletter, produces gorgeous up-cycled jewellery. You can discover more artisans by visiting ZooShare at 401 Richmond for the Frolic Artisans Marketplace (December 4th to 7th), or by checking out the new Spacing Store, which features classy Toronto-themed gifts. (Enter our December draw to win a $75 Spacing Gift Card by December 17th).
3. GO BATTERY FREE.
Every year thousands of batteries are bought during the holidays. Old batteries are an environmental hazard and fill up landfills. A great store in Toronto that carries eco-friendly, non-battery toys is Baby on the Hip.
4. USE NATURAL HOMEMADE DECORATIONS.
Use pine cones, evergreen branch tips, holly berries and other colourful natural pieces to put the finishing touches on your home and gifts rather than buying commercial bows and ribbons. Try doing a eco-friendly decor search on Pinterest for inspiration.
5. GIFT AN EXPERIENCE, OR SOMETHING EDUCATIONAL.
Instead of buying products, you could buy an experience, such as a Parks Canada Discovery Pass, to help reconnect the ones you love with the nature we all love. Of course, we would also recommend gifting a ZooShare bond, which is a great tool for teaching financial literacy and an opportunity to teach others about the true value of waste!
Adapted from:
QuinteConservation.ca