Christmas tree, gifts, packaging material and decoration – how to create an environmentally conscious Christmas.
Tree decorations made of natural materials, such as orange peel or cones, are easy to make yourself and are also original
Christmas is one of the high points of the year for most people. A family get-together in a festively decorated room, complete with a tree with lots of candles, including colorfully wrapped gifts.
Who can think of the cut trees, the mountains of rubbish or the high energy consumption at this very moment. Christmas is also different – sustainable and green. That means a festival that is at least as beautiful, if not even better, because you can celebrate it with a clear conscience. The following tips from Lorraine Wenzel from Zero Waste Austria will help.
Organic tree or wall tree?
The Christmas tree is the focal point – but most of them are not as green as they look. “Pesticides are used to grow the standard Christmas tree,” says Wenzel. So if you want your living room to remain pollutant-free and at the same time protect the environment, you should use an organic tree. “That is actually the best alternative,” says the expert. Unfortunately, trees for rent that are delivered in pots usually do not survive long. They die from the stress of repeated temperature changes. If you don't necessarily need a tree in your own four walls, you can – if available – decorate one in the garden or even in the forest. For example with food for animals and doing something twice as good. Creative people can also make a Christmas tree themselves. For example as a wall tree.
No plastic glitter balls are needed as decoration for the tree. “Use natural materials instead,” suggests Wenzel. “Nuts, dried fruit, cinnamon sticks, pine cones, paper or straw stars that you can wrap with raffia and jute and hang up like that. I also like to make various tree pendants from salt dough. “
Candles are inextricably linked with the Christmas season. Their flickering light creates a warm and homely atmosphere. They sparkle not only on the Christmas tree, but also on the Advent wreath and in many other places in the house. “Unfortunately, most candles are made of paraffin, which is obtained from petroleum,” notes Wenzel. This is not only unecological, but can also be harmful to health. “But there are many good alternatives, especially with candles,” says the expert. “Made from beeswax from regional beekeepers, for vegans there are some made from soy wax.”
Beeswax candles from Austrian beekeepers smell good and are more ecological than paraffin candles or candles made from palm oil
Fairy lights are controversial mainly because of the additional power consumption. “In emotionally difficult times like these, we need a good and nice atmosphere, so you don't have to do without fairy lights, but you should use them specifically. And compensate for the energy consumption – that is, if the chain of lights is on, switch off other lights, ”recommends the deputy managing director of Zero Waste Austria. Further tips: go for the energy-saving LED variant with the help of timers and avoid round-the-clock lighting.
Well packed
There are also alternatives to classic wrapping paper, as well as to the gifts themselves. “Before you bring new resources into circulation, buy used ones,” emphasizes Lorraine Wenzel. “Often the things are even unused. And when it comes to technology, you can also use tried-and-tested portals such as Refurbed. ”If you buy new things, you should do so very carefully. “So rely on regionality and pay attention to companies with fair working conditions and resource-saving use of materials.”
The Japanese furoskihi scarves are trendy. They are packaging and a beautiful present in one
In other words: the little bookseller around the corner is better than the online giant, the wooden toys are better than the plastic ones. On the subject of wrapping paper, Wenzel says: “In Vienna alone, 300 tons of waste paper are generated around Christmas. And wrapping paper is ultimately a resource that we only use to wrap, unpack and throw away something. Instead, you should use something that you already have. ”Newsprint, old wrapping paper that you can use again, scraps of fabric or glasses. All in all, Lorraine Wenzel is certain that a sustainable festival is even more fun. “The joy of self-made things is particularly great and you think back on what Christmas actually means.”
Pouring candles yourself is very easy
DIY idea: pour candles
Candles are simply part of the Advent season. They ensure a contemplative mood and a cozy atmosphere. Over time, many candle stubs accumulate in every household. Before disposing of them, you can breathe a second life into them and process them into new candles.
What you need for this:
– Wax residues
– Metal can or an old pot
– candle wick
– Shish kebab skewer or toothpick
– Tin can, milk or
juice box
That's how it's done:
Put any wax residue in a metal tin or an old saucepan and heat it in a water bath. Stirring occasionally. Place the wick in the mold (can or tetrapack). To prevent it from slipping, knot it around a wooden skewer and position it in the middle.
The other end can be fixed to the bottom of the vessel with a drop of wax. When the candle wax is completely melted, it can be poured into the container. It is best not to do it all at once, but in several steps, always letting it cool down in between. So you can also pour different colored stripes.
