Life Hackery

Every Christmas, thousands of trees are cut just to suit many people’s Yuletide fantasies. Dainty as some decorations are, producing them does not do the environment any favors. This contributes to soil erosion in forests and the growing rate of air pollution. At a time when most families are looking for some good old fashioned Christmas warmth, they might receive global warming instead, which is anything but pleasant.

Spread the Christmas cheer to your family and friends with a green or eco-friendly Christmas. In place of potential environmental threats like the Christmas tree, the gift wrapper and some Christmas presents, you can use equally elegant DIY substitutes. These items are stylish and easy-to-install, perfect for every household. So having them around this Christmas is clearly a good idea. Interested? You can extend the Christmas spirit to the environment and to your loved ones by applying these eco-friendly measures:

1. Plastic Christmas Trees

Fake Christmas trees are made just like the real things. They look exactly like fir trees. The only differences are, they require assembly and they last for ages with proper maintenance. Fake trees, processed in factories, are chemically treated with fireproofing. They are also impervious to rotting and don’t attract garden pests, given their physical properties. Best of all, by purchasing one, you are saving one tree from being uprooted, since it eliminates the need for a genuine Christmas tree.

Imagine if thousands of people used this product. An entire rainforest will be spared. Eventually, Christmas tree manufacturers will lose interest in abusing the planet’s forest regions.

2. Recycled Paper Gift Wrappers

Gift-giving is a regular activity during Christmas. Think about the number of gifts that you wrap and hand over to your friends, relatives and special someones. It will probably amount to over a dozen, which is a lot by any standard. The funny thing is, you are only one person. There are practically millions of families who wrap their gifts, as if there is an endless stream of wrappers, which are made from trees.

Instead of wasting the environment’s resources, you can use recycled paper as the wrapper for your Christmas presents. By using the wrapper, you are reusing the waste paper thrown in the recycle bin, indirectly preventing the overproduction of gift wrappers. Specialty stores stylize recycled paper, making it match the aesthetic standards of the Christmas season. So, you have absolutely nothing to worry about.

3. Reuse Old Wrappers

Once a Christmas present is unveiled, the gift wrapper is automatically tossed in the garbage can. Getting rid of trash is pretty logical, but you should always think before you throw. An old wrapper, disposable as it is, can be used for succeeding Christmas seasons. You just have to resist the urge to mangle the gift wrapper when opening presents. Pick the best looking ones from your haul of gifts, then store them in a cool dry place. (More tips on how to make a reusable gift wrap)

4. DIY and Recycled Paper Christmas Cards

Christmas cards are made of cardboard, which comes from trees. Obviously, many trees are cut just to create the cardboard-based greeting. You can instead summon your creative juices and make your own Christmas cards using used paper and other recyclable materials. With a good set of cutting and coloring materials, you should have no problems eking out a masterpiece. You will then realize how better it feels to create your own cards, instead of merely purchasing them.

If you’re in no mood to create Christmas cards, you can simply purchase a recycled paper Christmas card from bookstores. These cards are made of used paper, which means you are minimizing the need for cutting trees. Some stores offer cards with exceptional designs, so buying them is indeed a good idea.

5. Organic Christmas Presents

Concerned about the environment’s welfare? Why not give presents that will surely not contribute to the rise of global pollution? You can prepare or purchase organic items and turn them into Christmas presents. By doing so, you will indirectly give gifts to nature as well.

• Bake Cookies and Pastries - Cookies, gingerbread men and other sweet delights are popular treats during Christmas. From their flavor down to their appearance, these pastries accentuate the interpersonal warmth that happens during cold Christmas eves. They also won’t contribute to any environmental issue, as long as you throw or recycle their containers accordingly.
• Wine - A sip from a glass of sparkling wine, while lipsmacking chestnuts, is simply invigorating. It is perfect for couples who want to have romantic dinners come Christmas eve. The alcoholic beverage may be pricey, but its effects are remarkable, making it a good purchase. If you want to share the experience with your friends and loved ones, purchase a few bottles and turn them into Christmas presents. Don’t forget to tie a green or red ribbon near the top of the bottle.
• Japanese Ornaments - Japanese homes are often associated with style, in spite of having a few traditional ornaments. Paper crafts and bonsai take the place of large ornaments, displaying just as much style and class as their Western counterparts. These objects make good Christmas presents, especially for people who live in wooden and nature-themed homes. (see how to grow bonsai tree)
• Potpourri - Want a refreshing woody scent for your living room? Place a pile of potpourri in a prominent corner and notice the difference. The subtle aroma of scented dried flowers will slowly spread across the room, making its fragrance noticeable. Its appearance, when placed in a nice container, compliments most home styles. As you can see, it is the perfect complimentary gift when you think your present is “not enough.” (Learn how to make potpourri sachets)

These options are just a few examples of what you can keep or give this holiday season. Many other options are available on the market. As long as an item is beneficial, without threatening the environment, it stands as a potentially good Christmas present.

Thinking of the environment’s welfare this Christmas season is a welcome idea, given the global bout with pollution. Indeed, your efforts may not create a world of difference, on a global scale, but it can certainly start a green revolution within your community. Who knows, your little environmental act might eventually influence the entire nation, and later, the world.