Against the backdrop of the growing number of gifts, which have become an integral part of the celebration, statistics show that many people receive items that are not what they expected, and some of these gifts end up being thrown away.
At first, the beautiful packaging and shiny ribbons delight the eye, but soon they turn into trash. Traditional gifts, such as cosmetics, shower gel, and shampoo, may contain microplastics and harmful surfactants (SAS) that damage both the environment and human health.
Electronic devices are not left out either. The production of new smartphones and gadgets requires significant resources, and the resulting electronic waste pollutes the soil and water. Before acquiring new technologies, it is worth considering the real necessity of them.
However, gifts can be not only pleasant but also eco-friendly. For example, give tickets to workshops or excursions, handmade items such as scarves, as well as shared activities with loved ones.
If you still decide to give material items, try to wrap them yourself using recyclable or reusable materials.
During the holidays, we also spend a lot of resources on cooking, lighting with garlands, as well as on car or plane trips. Even small changes in our habits can significantly reduce the negative impact on nature and support the principles of sustainable development.
Ecologists advise choosing live Christmas trees instead of plastic ones and purchasing them only from official markets with documents confirming the legality of the cutting.
The World Wildlife Fund offers ideas on how to "extend the life" of a Christmas tree after the holidays: branches can be used as supports for plants, and needles can be used in aromatic baths, for hair masks, or even as a remedy for colds. A potted tree can be replanted in the garden after the holidays.
To save electricity, turn on the New Year garlands only when necessary and turn them off when leaving the house or before going to bed.
Cooking also requires a mindful approach: it is worth buying local products, purchasing all ingredients at once to reduce packaging, using reusable bags instead of plastic ones, and calculating the amount of food in advance to minimize waste, as one-third of food in the world ends up in landfills.
Leftover food and unwanted gifts can be exchanged, sold, or donated to those in need.
Such simple habits can help make the holidays not only joyful but also eco-friendly.
