A time of goodwill and celebration often accompanies by extra environmental impacts, such as seasonal increases in eating, drinking and spending which results in million tonnes of extra waste with our christmas funs. (PingPad Dec 2005: Hidden Costs of Christmas). Lots environmentalists proposed that a Green Christmas can be even more satisfying than a white one when it means giving and receiving gifts that can help keep the planet healthy long.
There are heaps of way we can make this holiday season helps the world to be a greener place. Says, our gift can be some donations to environemntal NGOs or adopting an animal/ a tree, by donating in the name of our gift recipient who will receive a certificate showing what he or she helped save. Such greenbacks not only bring joy to friends, relatives, but also to our mother nature. Adopting an animal or a tree is a usual practices in western countries (such as Australia you can adopt a shark or the U.S.). But this type of donation is till not common in most Asia countries including Hong Kong.
Other things we can do is to decorate with energy-saving Christmas lights to replace old lights. We can also send an e-card instead of a paper christmas card. If giving holiday cards is necessary, giving a card which is made from recycled paper, and using reusable or recyclable wrapping paper. Choosing gifts that help reduce environmental impacts, durable and not over-packaged (e.g. plants, reusable napkins or reusable shopping bags, educational items). Choose toys that can wind up or use rechargeable batteries.
If everyone can use the Christmas to reconsider about our everyday habits and actions to be more environmentally friendly. I am confident that we can make a huge difference in our future!
More Info: How to have a Green Christmas (Time.com)
Guide to Green Holiday Gift Giving (Environmental News Network)
Decorate with Energy-Saving Christmas Lights (Environmental Denfense)
Cutting down on Christmas waste (WasteOnline.org)
No comments:
Post a Comment