The festive period brings a significant 30% surge in waste production across Europe. Let’s explore practical ways to celebrate sustainably while maintaining the holiday spirit.
Smart Food Management
Planning meals carefully is crucial during the holidays, as European households are responsible for more than half of total food waste. Consider these strategies:
- Let guests serve themselves to control portion sizes
- Store leftovers properly in glass containers or beeswax cloth
- Use seasonal winter produce like clementine, cabbage, carrots, and leeks
Gift-Giving Reimagined
Europeans spend millions on unwanted gifts that often end up in landfills. Instead:
- Give experiences rather than physical items
- Shop locally to reduce packaging waste
- Consider pre-loved gifts, which are becoming increasingly popular
Decoration Solutions
The environmental impact of decorations is substantial, with households spending considerable amounts on items that often end up in landfills. Try these alternatives:
- Create DIY decorations using natural materials like pinecones and twigs
- Choose LED lights for energy efficiency
- For real Christmas trees, check local recycling options after the season
Packaging and Wrapping
The discarded wrapping paper during Christmas could stretch to the moon and back. To reduce this:
- Use reusable fabric bags
- Opt for recyclable brown paper
- Choose low-waste shops and bring refillable containers for holiday shopping
Remember, by adopting these practices, we contribute to the European Green Deal’s environmental goals while enjoying the festive season responsibly.
As part of the Raising Awareness for a Greener Tomorrow (RAGT) project, we are committed to fostering sustainable practices and environmental consciousness across our communities. Through education and collaboration, we work to empower adults with the knowledge and skills needed for a more sustainable future. Our consortium of partners from Croatia, Slovenia, and North Macedonia joins together in wishing you an eco-friendly and joyous festive season. May your celebrations be filled with warmth, mindful consumption, and green choices that will positively impact our shared environment. Happy Holidays!
Feel free to share these tips and join our green journey by following RAGT’s activities on our website and social media channels.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Agency for Mobility and EU Programmes (AMPEU). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
