How to keep Christmas Green

Have yourself a Merry Green Christmas! This is a guest post from Nicole Lloyd at Idwala Game Lodge

Here are Idwala’s top tips for an eco-friendly Christmas:

E-Cards from Dyer Island Conservation

1. The Christmas tree – plastic Christmas trees use various substances which are harmful to the environment. Therefore we recommend using a potted tree or getting creative with dried trees or driftwood (great for anyone holidaying at the coast!). If nothing else, plant a tree in your garden and watch it grow during 2011 

2. Christmas cards – It’s unbelievable how many Christmas cards are sent out all over the world. Try to send an electronic greeting using many of the e-cards available online or buy cards made from recycled paper. If you receive Christmas cards, do the right thing after the big day, and recycle them. Send on of these cute penguin Christmas cards and support a good cause too

3. Wrapping paper – Tons and tons of wrapping paper is sold around the world during the festive season. To help do your bit for the environment consider sending gifts that don’t need wrapping (like gift vouchers), using recycled paper and using string or ribbon instead of sticky tape 

4. Candles – for the big meal, if you’re using candles, consider buying soy, beeswax or vegetable-based candles. The paraffin candles commonly used are not good for your health or for the environment.

5. Batteries – try to give gifts that don’t use batteries or change over to rechargeable batteries. Batteries contain toxic chemicals, don’t biodegrade and are difficult to recycle.

6. Give the best gift – Of course, there is always the option to give the gift that keeps on giving. Your time spent assisting at a charity or environmental organization can make a big difference.

7. Lights – Twinkling away all day and night, fairy lights around the house and Christmas tree can take up a lot of energy. Remember to switch them off when they’re not being used. Keep an eye out for solar powered rope lights which are making their way into stores everywhere. 

8. Kitchen tips – while cooking that turkey or gammon, remember to take care when using the oven. When you want to check your food, remove from the oven and close the oven door. Standing in front of an open oven wastes heat and energy. Only load your dishwasher once it is full and run an economy program. And finally, buy organic. Don’t support the intensive factory farms and the horrible effects they have on the environment (and your health). 

9. Plan ahead – as you open your gifts think about the next Christmas. We suggest saving wrapping paper, ribbon, gift bags and unused Christmas cards for Christmas 2011. 

10. Buy a thoughtful gift – Think about the impact your gift has on the environment. Buy local, buy fair-trade and support companies who are doing more than their part to help save our earth. Spread the word – Give a book on a subject related to helping the environment. Buy someone a beautifully made cloth shopping bag so that they won’t be using plastic shopping bags.

Idwala Game Lodge wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2011

Read more about Idwala Game Lodge on The Game Lodge Index