Creation Care's 5 top tips
It's everyone's favourite time of the year when we come together to celebrate the coming of Jesus (oh okay, and a few feasts, festivities and prezzies).
For Christians, it's also about celebrating the generosity of our King: being joyful for everything we're given – like God’s creation – and responsible with what we give.
So here we go: our five simple tips for your dream green Christmas:
1. All I want for Christmas
Did you know:
114,000 tonnes of plastic packaging will be thrown away and not recycled this Christmas?
Make it green:
Consider giving a digital subscription (Audible, Netflix), an act of service (decorating, cooking, cleaning), a beautiful fruit tree, tickets for an activity, consumables (nibbles, bath products, candles), memberships (National Trust, Royal Horticultural Society), or something from Bath's gorgeous charity shops.
Reuse and recycle:
21 million people receive at least one unwanted gift at Christmas, and 5% (more than 1 million) are thrown away. If you really hate a present, re-gift it or donate it to charity.
2. Deck the halls
Did you know:
John Lewis makes 12,000 km of tinsel a year? Lay that end to end, and it will take you from Bath to Christmas Island in Australia!
Make it green:
Go for a nature-themed Christmas this year. Display pinecones in a bowl, create a natural wreath, secure leaves and berries around candles, make table and mantel runners with evergreen branches and fruit, or get traditional with dried citrus window hangings.
Reuse and recycle:
Be discerning about what you buy. Go for reusable decorations in glass, metal, fabric and wood and if you need something new this year, hit the charity shops or get crafty.
3. All the trimmings
Did you know:
Every Christmas, UK household food waste amounts to about £444 million?
Make it green:
Keep your carbon footprint low by opting for turkey over red meat, buying local produce and serving less cheese. Most importantly, browse Savouring the Season's festive edition for delicious meat and meat-free ideas!
Reuse and recycle:
Make sure you demolish your leftovers and check the council's A-Z for how to best recycle all that aluminium.
4. O, Christmas Tree!
Did you know:
A two-metre artificial tree has the carbon equivalent of about 40kg – ten times that of a real tree if it gets incinerated after use. On average, people replace artificial trees every nine years (because they look so sad), so it’s still better to have a lovely real tree.
Make it green:
Get yours from a sustainable source, look for the FSC certification or look for a large potted rosemary topiary shaped like a Christmas tree.
Reuse and recycle:
Nowadays, you can get trees with roots which can be replanted. Remember to book your Christmas tree recycling collection.
5. It’s a wrap
Did you know:
DEFRA estimates that the UK's annual wasted Christmas paper could wrap up the whole of Guernsey!
Make it green:
Avoid unrecyclable wrapping paper – anything shiny, lined with plastic, decorated with glitter or that can't hold its shape when balled up. Get creative with materials like brown paper, raffia and vintage ribbon. Or learn about Furoshiki, the beautiful art of fabric wrapping.
Reuse and recycle:
Save old wrapping paper and gift bags for reuse. Or repurpose cards and scraps of gift wrap when making cards or other festive crafts.
To find out more about Creation Care and how you can help make a difference, check out the Creation Care Page or get in touch with us.