Christmas can also be a holiday for the environment. A reminder of this is WWF, which, with its campaign Our Future, has developed a real decalogue for a green Christmas: ten simple and concrete rules to reduce the environmental impact of the holidays, without turning them into an exercise in renunciation
The environmental association reminds us that between rising energy consumption, increasing waste, excessive travel and food waste, the Christmas season is one of the heaviest of the year for the Planet. But because of this, it is also the right time to change some habits.
1. Use the tree you already have
The most sustainable choice is often the most mundane: don’t buy a new one. Reusing the tree from previous years is the best way to reduce waste and emissions.
2. If you buy it, choose carefully
If the purchase is unavoidable, it is better to go for real trees of local species or a second-hand artificial tree. PVC ones have a high impact and become a sensible choice only if used for many years.
3. Also think about the “after parties“
A real tree should be disposed of properly by taking it to the ecological island for composting. Never plant it independently in nature: you risk altering ecosystems.
4. Decorate without plastic
Christmas decorations are often a concentration of short-lived plastic. Recovering materials already in the home or using natural elements can reduce waste and give the holidays a more authentic feel.
5. Give emotions, not accumulate
A shared experience-a course, a visit, a performance-leaves a more lasting mark than many items destined to end up in a drawer.
6. Dress yes, but sensibly
If choosing clothing, it is best to prefer natural fibres, certified materials and more sustainable production. Alternatively, renting allows you to avoid disposable purchases.
7. Smart wrapping
Plasticised papers, bows and glitter almost always end up in the rubbish. Fabrics, reclaimed paper or creative solutions such as furoshiki (the traditional Japanese technique for wrapping and transporting items using a simple square of cloth) make for a more sustainable and original package.
8. No barrels, please
Fireworks are not only noisy: they cause serious damage to wild and domestic animals every year. As well as causing a high number of accidents. Giving them up is a gesture of respect and safety.
9. Reduce unnecessary travel
During the holidays, the miles multiply. Whenever possible, it is better to choose trains and public transportation or move around on foot and bicycle for short trips.
10. Bring lighter choices to the table
A menu based on local, seasonal produce, with less meat and responsibly chosen fish, reduces environmental impact without taking away from the taste of the festivities.
In short, what is needed is not a perfect Christmas, but a slightly more conscious Christmas. Small choices, repeated by millions, can make all the difference.
