A Holly Jolly ECO Christmas

By
Cynthia Brown
– November 23, 2011Posted in: Opinion

Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year, and not surprisingly, it can be hard on the environment too. Christmas is considered to be the most greenhouse gas intensive holiday in North America. But not to fear – there are many fun, easy ways to have an Eco-Christmas this year and celebrate being Eco for the Holidays.

An Energy Efficient Christmas

For those wishing to reduce their carbon footprint this holiday season, there are many ways to celebrate an energy efficient Christmas.

  • LED Christmas lights use 90% less electricity than regular Christmas lights. There are lots of different styles to choose from – icicle lights, net lights, cascading lights and LED reindeer to decorate your lawn.
  • Use a programmable timer to set your Christmas lights. You won’t have to remember to turn them on and off, and you will be saving energy without having to think about it.
  • Forget about the good ole’ neighbour rivalry – this year take the minimalist route and scale back on the holiday lights. A few well-placed flood lights along with some tasteful greenery can make a striking display, and use less energy.

When it comes to cooking the holiday dinner, there are things you can do in the kitchen to save energy too.

  • Slow cookers and crock pots use the least amount of electricity per meal (around 0.5 kWh versus 2.0 kWh for an electric oven) – cook what you can this way, and try to limit the amount of time you use your oven and stove-top.
  • Thaw your bird before you cook, or buy a fresh turkey – a 12 lb frozen turkey takes about 5 1/2 hours in the oven, while a fresh or thawed turkey of the same weight takes about 3 hours.

 Eat Local for the Holidays

During the summer and fall it’s easy to eat local in Southern Ontario, but it can sometimes be a challenge through the winter months. Try holding a “Canadiana Christmas” this year, by using as many locally produced foods and drinks as you can for your holiday dinner.

  • There are plenty of local farmers’ markets that operate year-round with great, seasonal products. Winter squash and root vegetables such as beets, carrots and parsnips are available this time of year. (For a full list produce available by season, visit Foodland Ontario http://www.foodland.gov.on.ca/english/availability.html)
  • Locally-raised, organic meats and artisan dairy products are plentiful during the holiday season too. Many local family-run farms, like Downey’s Farm (http://www.downeysfarm.com/) in Caledon, accept orders for fresh, free-range turkeys starting in November.
  • When it comes to local beer and wine, there are many options to choose from – wines from Peele Island and Niagara, specialty beer from Toronto. Black Creek Pioneer Village (http://www.blackcreekbrewery.ca/) operates a historic mirco-brewery on their property, using all the same techniques, tools and recipes used by brewers in 1860s Ontario. Besides the traditional ales, porters and stouts, seasonal specials, such as the “Winter Warmer” brew, are also available.

Christmas Tree Alternatives

From Canadian House and Home (houseandhome.com)

The Christmas tree is one of the most time-honored traditions for many families at Christmas time. Why not mix it up and try something different this year?

  • For a modern alternative to the traditional Christmas tree, hold onto leftover branches when pruning your trees and shrubs in the spring. Bring them out at Christmas and arrange the branches in a tall vase to be decorated with ornaments.
  •  Consider a living Christmas tree. Purchase an indoor potted tree, and decorate it just as you would a typical Christmas tree.
  • If you still want to go the route of a traditional cut Christmas tree, consider joining a community tree planting with your family in the spring. Visit http://trcastewardshipevents.ca/ for volunteer tree planting events in your area.

Christmas Card Options

Seed Cards from Botanical Paperworks

The sending and receiving of Christmas cards is a common holiday tradition that can be hard on the environment. Every year, 200 000 trees will be cut down to make holiday cards.

  • Recycled paper cards are great, but why not take it a step further and send an e-card instead. Many environmental organizations like The Nature Conservancy (http://my.nature.org/ecards/) and TD Friends of the Environment Foundation (http://www.fef.td.com/ecard/) offer free holiday e-cards with environmental messaging.
  • Seed cards are another fun option. Made with biodegradable, post-consumer material, these unique cards are embedded with wildflower seeds which can be planted in the spring.

Avoid the Malls this Christmas

Finally, the most difficult of all Christmas tasks – gift shopping. Avoid the malls, leave your car in the driveway and do your shopping online.

With these tips, you can look forward to celebrating your greenest Christmas yet!

About Cynthia Brown

Cynthia Brown is Stewardship Coordinator, Healthy Yards at the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). With decades of practical experience in protecting our environment, educating young people, and engaging communities, Toronto and Region Conservation works with governments, businesses, and individuals to build a greener, cleaner healthier place to live. Their vision is for a new kind of community, The Living City, where human settlement can flourish forever as part of nature's beauty and diversity.