Someone has to update Elvis’ Blue Christmas. We’re in the Green movement and it would be nice to have a rendition crooning, “I’ll have a Green, Green, Christmas with you.”
Even without a theme song, we can certainly find some ways to be more conscious during the holidays. Sometimes we get so wrapped up (unintentional Christmas pun) in tradition that we let bad habits take over, like cut trees and paper plates. We have to find a way to celebrate the end of the year while still increasing our green commitment.
Who better to give us advice than the Green Moxie herself, Nikki Fotheringham? Living in Muskoka for the holidays, Nikki spoke about how there was “already so much snow” in November. Her Christmas may end up being white, but she helped us look at many of the aspects of the holidays where we could stand to have a little green inspiration.
1. O’ Christmas Tree.
Nikki had a ton of ideas for how to get your tree fix without cutting down a tree and discarding it come January. The carbon footprint of trees is huge, but this doesn’t mean you have to be without your tradition. She suggested getting a potted tree, calling it the “fashionable” thing to do: “When they get too big for the pots, you can plant that tree. Obviously, it’s more expensive, but when you factor in the cost of five cut trees, it’s worth it.”
As a bonus, the needles won’t fall off. If you think you’re in the clear for buying a plastic tree, note that it takes six years to offset the carbon and that it will off gas in your house. If you keep it for longer than six years, great.
If you like a new look every year, try making one of Nikki’s amazing upcycled trees. We were especially grooving on the tree made out of books. Nikki laughed, “It’s still made of wood, technically!”
2. Winner, Winner, Christmas Dinner.
The principles of green eating work even in a celebratory context: Eat locally. Go for seasonal and organically grown food. Nikki was shocked to discover that the average American uses six paper napkins a day. How simple is it to switch and use serviettes? Nikki also suggests staying away from disposable plates or foil baking trays. Use your own cutlery and crockery. Plus, it’s super fun to say the word “crockery.”
3. Getting to Christmas.
To grandmother’s house, you go, and you can carpool to get there. You can also offset your carbon if you’re flying, which only costs around $20-30. Finally, taking the train is a charming way to get home for the holidays (and Nikki likes the added perk of being able to drink wine while you’re doing it!).
4. Make Your Own Christmas Decorations.
This will give you a tree of memories in no time at all. Think of rustic ideas, such as popcorn and cranberries instead of tinsel. Nikki goes one step further, suggesting that at the end of the holidays, you “put that outside for the birds and the woodland creatures to eat. Everybody gets to celebrate!”
5. Use Pinecones & Cedar to Decorate the Table.
This looks beautiful and can go right back to where they came from, come the end of the holidays. For a cozy feel, light beeswax candles instead of regular candles made from petroleum.
6. Wrapping Goes Beyond Paper.
If you use newspaper, you can recruit the kids to paint or stamp the paper for a homey wrapped gift. It’s worth remembering that paper also comes recycled. Or try what the Japanese do and use fabric, which can then be used in the home. Nikki likes to wrap all of her gifts in scarves.
7. Christmas Cards Can be Brought into this Century.
Nikki admitted that e-cards seem impersonal, so she suggests making a video. A personalized video from the grandkids can feel as warm and fuzzy as anything that comes in the mail.
8. Use Your Drippings for a Greater Good.
Turkey drippings that are normally added to gravy can be halved or cut out entirely. Nikki suggests mixing the fat with birdseed and putting it outside: “They really need that fat in the winter.” Just call her Cinderella.
If you find some familial resistance with your green intentions, Nikki suggests explaining these tweaks will save money. You just might sell your most defiant aunt on your book tree.
