Climate Friendly Christmas Ideas
As the little ones get excited, and we are scurrying about to ‘fill’ wishes, we found a few ideas to help keep the Christmas Season a bit eco-friendlier:
- Wrapping paper – use PAPER wrapping paper that is recyclable and will break down. Paper that is shiny or does not tear easily is not recyclable.
- Cards – send plant-able cards with pollinator plant seeds embedded in cards.
- Gift ideas – gift reusable water bottles, plant-based phone cases, recycled paper bead or bracelet-making kits, wooden toys, organic bath bombs, homemade edible gifts.
- Ornaments – make DIY Dried orange slices with fabric ribbon to mount on the tree, decorated pinecones with scrap fabrics, homemade wreaths, or cinnamon stick stars with fabric ribbons– the ideas are plentiful online.
- Centerpiece – use herb pots, homemade wreaths using fabric, cones, or colorful seed packets.
- Alternative Gift Market – give in honor or memory of family or friends to support our environment or for those in Western North Carolina in need. (Read more here.)
- Compost – bring your food scraps to the church for our composter! (Contact Debbie Layman for details.)
A simple online search offers many more ideas to explore with your friends and family. Enjoy the adventure of learning more earth-friendly tips this Advent and Christmas.
~ Highland’s Global Service Committee
Resources List
- City of Winston – CityLink 311
- Recycling questions
- Composting NC Extension Agency
- Water keepers and Climate Solutions – Yadkin River Keeper; Piedmont Land Conservancy; Earth Justice; Project Drawdown; Blessed Tomorrow
Books & Articles
- Salt, Lemons, Vinegar, and Baking Soda – by Shea Zukowski
- Cooler Smarter: Practical Steps for Low-Carbon Living – Union of Concerned Scientists
- Establishing a Bee Lawn – Better Homes and Gardens
- How to Design and Install a Bee Lawn – YouTube
- Calculate Your Carbon Footprint – The Nature Conservancy
- Why Doctors Are Prescribing Nature Walks – Time Magazine
- Prayers for the Environment