Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Nuacht Nioclais- Have A Green Christmas

The best way to protect the planet is to avoid waste in the first place. This can be done simply by reducing your consumption of energy and of products over Christmas. Below is a list of efficient ways to be environmentally friendly over the Christmas holidays.
BYOB! (Bring Your Own Bag)
Take your own bag with you when you go shopping. Don't load up on plastic bags that will end up in landfills. If you have to take a bag with your purchase, save it and use it again.
Rewrap!
Use last year's Christmas wrapping. Unwrap presents carefully and neatly fold the paper to wrap another gift with later.
Make a Postcard
Personalize last year's Christmas cards. You can cut a Christmas card in half and write a message on the back of the picture to use it as a Christmas post card.
Only Buy Rechargeables
Buy gifts with rechargeable batteries. It's always better to reuse a battery than throw it out.
Give it Away
Donate old Christmas gifts to charity.
Reuse your Tree
Use your Christmas tree as a shelter for birds and animals. You can also use the tree as mulch or wood chips.

Don't Buy Gifts
Make donations. Have a party. Do something nice for someone else. Avoid packaging!
Purchase Recycled Gifts
Buy gifts that are made of recycled materials and are packaged in recycled packaging.
Compost Waste
Raw fruit and vegetables, egg shells, pencil parings and tissue are all compostable and create fertile compost for your garden.
Give Living Gifts
Plants, trees and seeds are great gifts that will contribute to the quality of the air around you.
Turn Out the Lights
When you're going to bed, during the day be sure to turn off your Christmas lights to save energy and money.
Nolloig Shona Duit !
ó
The Green School Committee Scoil Niocláis