The "festival of love" is all about bringing joy to your loved ones. But why not also do something good for the environment on this occasion? A festive, contemplative and sustainable Christmas doesn't require much effort, just a little rethinking.
An important aspect of Christmas has always been the tree, which brings a piece of winter forest into our living rooms with its dark green and resinous smell. However, most people don't know this: Many Christmas trees that are offered cheaply in discount stores, for example, come from foreign monocultures where they have been exposed to toxic pesticides that are neither good for the environment nor for those who place such a tree in their living room. The better alternatives: Using regional suppliers or specimens labeled as organic, getting a rental Christmas tree that can be replanted after the 24th, or making a creative replacement tree.
A second important part of Christmas Eve is undoubtedly a festive meal with the family. And here, too, it is worth taking a closer look when choosing the delicacies. A Christmas roast from regional and species-appropriate farming definitely tastes even better, as does organic mulled wine, for example, which uses cane sugar or honey instead of industrial sugar.
Candles in all shapes, colors and sizes are also indispensable on Christmas Eve. With their pleasant light, they contribute greatly to the Christmas atmosphere. However, most candles are either made of kerosene, which is theoretically the same as petroleum and therefore anything but environmentally friendly, or they are based on palm oil, which comes from plantations that deprive the rainforest of its habitat. So it's all the better that there is a remedy here too. Either by choosing real beeswax candles, which also smell great. Or by recycling old candle scraps instead of throwing them away. Simply melt them down and put them in a pretty container with a wick. And you're done!
Sustainability has long been a real trend when it comes to Christmas decorations. Especially in winter, there are plenty of opportunities to decorate your home with materials from the great outdoors. A quick trip to the forest is all it takes to find suitable elements. Acorns, cones, fir, pine and spruce branches, moss, berries or rose hips, for example, can be used to create beautiful arrangements for the dining table. This is guaranteed to make the Christmas table an eye-catcher without costing a lot of money and producing unnecessary waste. And if you don't use glue, glitter or wire, you can even dispose of the decorations in nature after the holidays.
