The next few weeks are going to be crazy when it comes to consumption. But we believe that Christmas is about so much more than buying the right present. Nevertheless, we’re also going to give you some shopping tips. Check out this article if you want to have a more sustainable Christmas.
A Deco study says that the plastic tree has 7 times more environmental impact than a natural Christmas tree. In other words, the artificial tree will have to be used for at least seven Christmases to offset the extra environmental impact.
The artificial tree is made of plastic, is not recyclable and is mostly shipped from China. Apart from the impact they have on the soil, which is greater with natural ones, the artificial Christmas tree has more impact. Seven times more.
If you want to choose natural, we suggest Planta Livre’s “Pinheiro Vivo” project, which, after Christmas, returns the tree to nature in a Portuguese forest or pine forest.
Opt for LED bulbs: they consume less energy and have a longer lifespan. And, if possible, use timers, because they ensure that they don’t stay on during the day, wasting electricity.
But before you buy, there’s nothing like taking a look at what’s left over from previous years and making the most of the ones that still work. Whether it’s trees or lights, choosing the simplest will ensure that you don’t get bored and want to buy something new the following year.
For many, it’s the most difficult sector to implement change in. But there is scope to continue giving gifts, albeit in a more conscious way.
Why not bring the Secret Santa habit into the family? That way, everyone gets a present and we only have to buy for one person.
Another valid option, and one that has a special value, is to make your own gift. Whether it’s pottery, a photograph, a drawing, homemade granola or making a spice blend, giving something you’ve made will be received in a different way.
We know that buying is almost unavoidable for most people and, in this case, we’re going to do it more consciously by supporting brands that, at their core, were born to provide an alternative with less impact on the planet.
Here are some suggestions:
. Bhoomi: abrand of jewelry made with ingredients such as flour, coffee, leftover varnish and spices.
. Zouri:footwear brand made with plastic collected from the oceans and natural products such as apple skin and pineapple leaf fiber.
. This: a men’s clothing brand that uses organic, natural materials and is manufactured in Portugal and is very transparent in its pricing: the customer knows how much each stage of the process and each manufacturing detail cost, to justify the final price.
Here, there’s nothing like using the techniques of grandmothers, opening presents very carefully so as not to spoil the paper and being able to reuse it.
Another option is to use paper from magazines or newspapers, cloth bags or anything that can hide the contents without having to use store-bought wrapping paper.
Also, remember that wrapping paper goes in the blue recycling garbage can, but if it has a self-adhesive film or glitter on it, it can no longer be recycled and should be put in the regular garbage can – so let’s avoid this option.
On these days, ideally, we should postpone going to the recycling bin to avoid a build-up of garbage
To try to buy the best ingredients, have options for everyone and avoid waste, here are some tips:
. Comprar os ingredientes em mercados e no comércio local
. Ter uma opção vegetariana. Se não quiser cozinhar, existem restaurantes com opções para take away:
. Aproveitar o calor do forno para vários cozinhados
. Comprar ingredientes a granel
. Encomendar cabazes de frutas e legumes de projetos locais
. Quanto às sobras, congelar o que for possível, reaproveitar para novas receitas, ou procurar instituições ou famílias que poderiam beneficiar de uma doação.
Tavira joins more than 30 cities in the Plant Based Treaty, a commitment to promote plant-based food options, reduce animal products and support food sovereignty
The color change on the windows is activated by sunlight, but the building’s users can also do it according to their needs. This is a
In Portugal, as in Spain, tobacco producers will start paying to clean up cigarette butts in public spaces. Tobacco producers will now have to bear
This article promotes an action that encourages the reduction of waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
➡️ To discover more businesses that are aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12 “Sustainable Production and Consumption” click here.
➡️ For news, tips and interviews about this topic, click here.
➡️ Want to know more about the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals? Click here
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