{"id":16407,"date":"2021-12-13T11:55:45","date_gmt":"2021-12-13T11:55:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.caredocs.co.uk\/?p=16407"},"modified":"2023-06-01T10:50:26","modified_gmt":"2023-06-01T09:50:26","slug":"sustainable-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.caredocs.co.uk\/sustainable-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"5 tips for enjoying a more sustainable Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"

5 tips for enjoying a more sustainable Christmas<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Last month (November 2021) the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) dominated headlines around the world. Leaders and influencers came together to reflect on climate pressures and negotiate outcomes for positive change. The event lasted roughly two weeks, but sustainable living and environmental care remain constant hot topics all year round.  <\/p>\n

Christmas is a time of year when many of us like to go the extra mile, be that with food, gifts or decorating our homes. It\u2019s a time to think more positively and put problems aside for a couple days. It can also be a wasteful time if we\u2019re not careful, but it doesn\u2019t need to be.  <\/p>\n

There are many ways to enjoy a more sustainable and environmentally friendly Christmas without taking away any of the festive joy. If all of us take small steps to be more conscious of our habits it can make a difference for the planet and future generations. Here\u2019s our top five tips to lower your care home\u2019s environmental footprint this year. <\/p>\n

1. Use a real Christmas tree (if you don\u2019t already have a fake one)<\/h2>\n

Although chopping down trees doesn\u2019t sound great for the environment, most real Christmas trees are grown specifically for this purpose and done so responsibly. If you give them proper care while in your home, they are the more environmentally friendly option. As a bonus, you\u2019ll get a festive pine scent and the oxygen it releases will help purify the air in your home. Real trees can also be recycled afterward, usually picked up free by many local councils. Or see if your local Christmas tree farm will take the tree back to replant it after you\u2019re finished. <\/p>\n

Fake Christmas trees may be a more cost-effective and convenient solution, but studies have found the same tree would have to used for 20 years to off-set the environmental impacts of the manufacturing and waste processes. However, if you already own a fake Christmas tree, because they cannot be recycled the best advice is to keep using them for as long as possible.  <\/p>\n

If cared for, there\u2019s no question that real trees are better for the environment but there are a few details to be aware of. Try not to travel too far to pick up a Christmas tree \u2013 fewer miles mean less carbon emissions. And once it\u2019s time to get rid of the tree, if it\u2019s disposed of improperly, it can release harmful methane and carbon dioxide into the atmosphere! Real pine needles will also shed and can be harmful to pets if eaten. <\/p>\n

2. Switch to LED Christmas lights<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s become common knowledge that LED bulbs are much better for the environment compared to standard halogen bulbs. LED bulbs consume roughly 80-85% less electricity and can last for 10 years. Even though they are popular now, it\u2019s still possible to purchase incandescent Christmas lights, or you may still be using the same inefficient lights you\u2019ve had for years. You can save your electricity bill and help the planet by making sure you use LEDs wherever possible. <\/p>\n

For outdoor decorations, solar-powered lights are another way to reduce electricity consumption and they switch on and off all by themselves! <\/p>\n

3. Try plastic-free Christmas crackers<\/h2>\n

Did you know you can now purchase plastic-free Christmas crackers? This is a great small step you can take to reduce waste and they are often cheaper than the traditional type. After all, how much do we really use the little toys and knick-knacks that are inside?  <\/p>\n

You have the choice between paper Christmas crackers which are recyclable, and re-usable Christmas crackers. The latter are usually made from soft fabrics like linen. You can add your own little gifts that you know will be appreciated and enjoyed instead of leaving it to chance, then store the crackers away again for next year. <\/p>\n

4. Recycle your packaging<\/h2>\n

One of the best parts about Christmas is watching someone else\u2019s reaction as they open a beautifully wrapped present. It\u2019s always a shame when the wrapping paper gets shoved into a rubbish bag afterward, but that doesn\u2019t always have to be the case. If you receive gifts in bags or boxes, keep them for next year to save on waste and money. <\/p>\n

If you receive deliveries throughout the year, you might be in the habit of saving the boxes or dull brown paper packaging for a rainy day that never comes. Consider recycling what you\u2019ve kept by using it for Christmas gifts. You can always decorate them yourself to add a bit of colour, or simply tie a string around it for a clean, classic look. This is a great chance to get creative. <\/p>\n

Alternatively, if you need to buy wrapping, aim to use only Christmassy wrapping paper which can be recycled with local paper waste collections. Many higher quality wrapping papers do contain materials which make them ineligible for recycling. <\/p>\n

\"Sustainable<\/p>\n

5. Opt for plant-based glitter<\/h2>\n

It wouldn\u2019t be Christmas without a bit of sparkle! Many shop-bought decorations are already covered in glitter but you may decide to get a pot or two for arts and crafts. Regular glitter is of course made from plastic, but because it\u2019s small the environmental impact is often overlooked. Glitter\u2019s light weight allows it to easily travel outside and much of it ends up in our oceans. Even in the home it can be a problem for pets and people if it’s ingested. <\/p>\n

Luckily, plant-based glitter and confetti is becoming a more common sight in shops. While made from naturally biodegradable materials, it still gives off a shiny tint without the negative consequences to the planet. Ensure your glitter is 100% plant-based, as some glitters advertised as \u2018biodegradable\u2019 may still contain plastic coatings. <\/p>\n

Don\u2019t stop there!<\/h2>\n

There are plenty more ways to get creative, reduce waste and enjoy a Christmas which has minimal impact on the planet. If you\u2019re interested in doing more, host some brainstorming sessions with your residents and see what other eco-friendly ideas come up. You might be surprised!  <\/p>\n

If you\u2019re not yet using a digital care management system, it\u2019s a great start to reducing your business\u2019s carbon footprint<\/a>. You\u2019ll reduce paper usage, stationery, waste and deliveries. Find out more about CareDocs here<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Happy holidays from everyone at CareDocs! <\/b> <\/h4>\n

Looking for more Christmas inspiration? <\/strong>Here’s another blog you might find useful: <\/strong><\/h3>\n

7 CareDocs tools to help you stay organised over the holidays<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n


\n\"CareDocs\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Christmas is a time of year when many of us like to go the extra mile, be that with food, gifts or decorating our homes. It\u2019s a time to think more positively and put problems aside for a couple days. 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