Have yourself a sustainable Christmas with these tips

We take a look at some ideas to make your Christmas more environmentally and pocket friendly. Here are our tips to help you make your festive season more sustainable:

Presents – make eco-friendly options when shopping for gifts. Why not consider gifting an experience and bring your loved ones together?
Shop local – by doing so, you will reduce your carbon footprint and support the local economy, which has to be good! Shop local from weekly markets, craft fairs and local producers.
Energy-efficient appliances – it does make a difference. Choosing energy efficient appliances will save you money on energy bills and reduce your greenhouse gas emissions in the long run.
Save energy while cooking – maximise your cooking efficiencies by using proper cookware, keep on the lids while cooking and match your burner and pot sizes to help decrease the energy use of your stove or hob. Plan ahead! Cook multiple dishes at once and prep before cooking to reduce energy use.
Find alternatives to wrapping paper – keep sustainability in mind and avoid wrapping paper that isn’t recyclable, be careful about what you choose and opt for green wrapping. The Journal – How to gift wrap without all the waste this Christmas.
Use solar powered LED lights – when it comes to sustainable decorations, LED lights are far better than traditional incandescent lights, because they use up to 80% less energy. For outdoor decorations, switch to solar powered lights and put both sets on a timer. Not only will your energy bills reduce but you will be kinder to the planet.
Live Christmas tree – If you choose a potted tree or a tree that still has the root ball intact, you will be able to replant it in your garden or balcony meaning that the tree can continue to exhale oxygen which slows down climate change. Irish Times – Not just for Christmas: Trees go to pot to ensure many festive returns.
Use smart controls and timers where possible – to switch on & off when not needed. When using battery powered lights, use rechargeable batteries.
Invest in a reusable advent calendar – a great environmentally friendly idea! Choose from reusable or recycled-wood options.
Remember the true meaning of Christmas – what is truly important during this time of the year? Is it the flashy gifts and excess food or is it spending time with your loved ones, reflecting on the year passed and being grateful for what we have.

Listen back to the recent Beat 102-103 podcast where 3cea’s Energy Engineer Gráinne Kennedy spoke to Dean Egan on how to be more sustainable in the run up to Christmas.