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Altona CAN! Embrace an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season

 Although this holiday season presents us with a unique set of challenges, many people still consider gift giving and important tradition. As studies show that most people produce up to 30% more waste during the holiday season, now might be the time to think about helping your loved ones move toward more sustainable ways of living.  

A guiding question to consider is: Which products will help contribute to a healthier environment?

·         Bamboo toothbrush

·         Metal drinking straws

·         To-go kits for your car (real cutlery rolled up in fabric napkins)

·         Stainless steel kitchen composter

·         Organic skin care products (buy or make your own)

·         House plants (improve air quality and they’re beautiful!)

·         Indoor herb garden

·         Soy or Beeswax candles

·         Food wrap alternatives to single-use plastic

·         Reusable shopping and produce bags

·         Reusable beverage bottles

 

If you would like to avoid some of the waste produced by consumerism, please explore other ways of giving.  One of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint is to shop locally and search for gifts that are locally sourced. A guiding question to consider is What is the final end point of this product? Instead of something that will end up in a landfill,

·         Create memories:   tickets to events, memberships, experiences

·         Give your time and talent:  share your skills or services, make handicrafts, make home-baked treats

·         Pay it Forward:  make a donation in their name


If you must purchase gifts, please consider make ethical and organic purchasing decisions.  A guiding question worth considering during this holiday season is Who makes the products I am purchasing and in what conditions? Instead of buying mass produced, cheaply made products by people who are underpaid and working in horrific environments, look for

·         Fair Trade Handicrafts

·         Fair Trade Coffee & Tea

·         Handmade items

·         Home baked goodies

·         Eco-friendly apparel (Tentree plants ten trees for every item sold and is a Canadian company)

·         Still need more ideas?  Check out https://davidsuzuki.org/queen-of-green/your-guide-green-holidays/


Wrapping it up

Avoid using plastic, metallic or foil wraps because they cannot be recycled or

composted.  Instead, try using:

·         non-glossy gift wrap, plain craft paper, newspaper

·         fabric bags, scarves, or fabric scraps

·         reusable gift bags or boxes

 

Although this holiday season will have us celebrating in a different way, we can still make more sustainable choices.

 

ACAN seeks to inspire eco-friendly and sustainable practices in our community through education and action.

(Kelly Skelton)

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