This is the third in a series of articles from the Eco Church Team at St Columba’s, which are also published in our church magazine.

The season of Christmas is coming, and I have been thinking about what sort of Christmas preparations might also be good for the environment.

Decorations

I have a small artificial Christmas tree that comes out every year, as there isn’t much room for a real tree.  It is made of non-biodegradable plastic, but at least by reusing it, I am not generating any more.  If I were to buy Christmas lights, I would look for LEDs, as they are more energy-efficient.

Natural Christmas trees can be chopped up and put in your garden waste bin, or you can drop them off at the Household Waste Recycling Centre in Wallsend Road.

Food

In the past, when I have invited family members to visit, we have enjoyed food that we might not have at other times of the year, and I have used up leftovers making different meals over the following weeks (depending on use-by dates), to avoid having to throw food away.  I am sure church members will have plenty of inventive ideas for using Christmas leftovers… do share your thoughts!

Presents

I try to buy wrapping paper that can be recycled.  It’s a pity that shiny paper often fails the scrunch test.  Sometimes I ask family members what they would like, and although it may not be a surprise, at least I know that I am giving something they want.  After Christmas, I will sometimes look to see if any of my old things could go to a charity shop, or may be Granny’s Attic.

Sustainable Christmas Tips

Last year, the Carbon Trust shared some tips.  Do you have any ideas to add?