Christmas is approaching, and the mad rush for gifts and shopping for lunches and dinners has glittered in the shops. But is there a way to avoid waste and make this Christmas sustainable for us and the environment? In this short article we suggest you 5 – simple – tips to make a greener Christmas.
Why we all need a more sustainable Christmas
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. The presents, the merriment, the time with family and friends make this time magical and fascinating. We like Christmas so much that we often don’t realise that we waste so much during this period. Unnecessary gifts, hastily organised trips and compulsive shopping impact not only on the environment but also on us, wasting time and money. So what can we do to make Christmas sustainable for us and the planet and -therefore- reduce our carbon footprint ?
We will focus on a few simple tips that, as well as helping us to respect the environment, will give us a stress-free holiday, with more money and time for us to spend with the people we love!
Lowering the temperature of your radiator
Did you know that turning down your heater by one degree can save up to 7% on your bill? A very simple eco-gesture to implement! Good to know : the ideal temperature for living rooms such as the dining room for Christmas holidays is 19°C. If you are above this, adjust your thermostat and enjoy the savings and your good deed for the day. And, of course, contribute to reduce your carbon footprint during Christmas time !
Choosing a green energy supplier
We recommend a good New Year’s resolution: choose a green energy offer. Many energy suppliers now offer green energy options. This is energy produced from a renewable energy source such as solar, wind, biomass or hydro. However, it might be difficult to find the best offer according to our needs and values.
Luckily elow Marketplace helps you choose a “truly” green offer: all the available offers guarantee you access to locally-produced renewable electricity. Our Marketplace brings you the information and transparency you need to select the supplier and offer most in line with your convictions – whether it’s nuclear, wind, solar or hydraulic, or if you’re focusing on boosting your local economy. A nice Christmas present, isn’t it?
Rationalizing the use of electricity
The energy consumption at Christmas is much higher than during the rest of the year. One of the main energy expenses at Christmas comes from lighting, starting with the streets, shops and decorative lights of the houses.
In Europe, a large proportion of electricity continues to be produced by so-called traditional power stations, i.e. powered by large fossil fuels, primarily coal. This type of fuel generates a high carbon footprint. Consequently, it is essential to use electricity wisely, adopting useful practices that can make a difference in the long term: from turning off electronic appliances to the healthy habit of making the most of free natural light, for example by moving desks and work tables closer to windows.
Knowing the composition of the electricity we are consuming during Christmas time is the first step towards greater awareness of our carbon footprint. With elow app you can analyze your digital carbon footprint and the origin of the electricity you are consuming in real time. elow allows you to understand if it is the right time to disconnect your computer and use the battery, thus contributing to the reduction of emissions and – consequently – to a more sustainable Christmas.
Seeking to monitor your digital carbon impact ?
Choosing zero km food products
In a recent survey called ‘Stop Food Waste,’ from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), half of the people surveyed in the U.S. noticed more food waste over the Christmas period than at other times of the year. Particular attention must be paid to the origin of the food we eat every day. Preference should be given to zero-mileage products over foods that travel a long way before reaching our tables. Moreover, it is good to respect seasonality. Eating peaches from Argentina or cherries grown in Chile in winter has a very strong environmental impact, as it involves long transport journeys which release considerable quantities of CO2 into the atmosphere. Among other positive aspects, it should not be forgotten that consuming local and seasonal food, as well as being healthier for our organism, fosters small local producers, who are increasingly crushed by competition from large multinationals in the agri-food industry.
Avoiding the trap of consumerism
Sometimes we do not realise how much our bad habits of uncontrolled disposability affect the health of the planet. The production of any item inevitably results in carbon dioxide emissions. As if this were not enough, throwing away goods that are still usable increases the amount of waste that reaches our landfills, only to be incinerated all too often.
A good rule for everyone is therefore to adopt the philosophy of the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The whole planet will be grateful.
Christmas is a celebration that is sometimes all too short. Most of us have a higher environmental impact than usual during this period, but it can be a great time to form lasting habits and encourage broader change.
What’s your tip for an eco-friendly Christmas? Share it with us by sending an email to contact@elow.energy
