The festive season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also come with a heavy environmental cost. From excessive decorations to over-consumption, small changes can make a big difference in reducing waste and carbon emissions. Here’s how you can celebrate more sustainably with a focus on supporting local artisans and farmers.
STYLING - SURROUNDINGS and YOURSELF
1. Support Artisans: Choose handmade decorations from local artists and crafters. These unique pieces reduce the environmental impact of mass production, and often use more bio-degradable or recycled materials, such as cotton, natural dyes, paper, recycled paper.
2. Natural Elements: Decorate with pinecones, branches, and dried flowers. These materials are compostable and add a rustic charm to your home.
3. Energy-Saving Lighting: Use LED lights to save energy and opt for solar-powered options where possible.
4. Choose Artisanal Fashion: Support local and artisanal designers who create unique, handmade clothing using sustainable practices.
5. Rent or Buy Second-Hand: Opt for thrifted or rented outfits to avoid buying new items that may only be worn once.
6. Repurpose Old Outfits: Refresh older clothing with small alterations or pair them with new accessories.
TASTY & MINDFUL FEASTING
1. Buy Local and Seasonal: Source ingredients from farmers' markets to support local farmers and reduce the carbon footprint of transportation.
2. Plan Plant-Based Dishes: Include plant-based meals in your menu to lower emissions while delighting guests with creative recipes.
3. Creative Leftovers: Turn leftovers into picnics and scraps into compost to nourish your garden instead of sending them to a landfill.
THOUGHTFUL GIFTING
1. Shop Handmade: Items like jewellery, pottery, textiles, or art from local artisans to support small businesses.
2. Gift Experiences: Offer non-material gifts like workshops, concert tickets, or nature trips that create lasting memories.
3. Sustainable Wrapping: Use fabric, old newspapers, or reusable gift bags to wrap your presents.
This holiday season, let your celebration reflect care, creativity, and commitment to our planet - which we know our friends of Ma Te Sai do!
Happy sustainable holidays!