How to organize an ecological and sustainable Christmas?

This year you've made up your mind ! We succumb to an eco-responsible Christmas ! No waste, no plastic toys or throw away decorations! We choose green and sustainable.

How are you going to wake the green Santa that is sleeping in you? How do you put an end to this feeling of guilt seeing all the disposable packaging, this waste of food and the unnecessary items that you give or receive?

Follow our ecological Christmas guide, you will find that it is easy to take the plunge to organise a green end of year holiday.

Before Christmas, I clean my house in an ecological way!

Before starting the end of year festivities, take care of your home in a healthy and sustainable way. The season for clementines and oranges is now well underway. Do not throw away the peels of these juicy citrus fruits. They will serve you to prepare your "pschit pschit" spray with fresh aromas of clementines or oranges!

To prepare your eco-friendly multi-surface cleaner, simply collect your citrus peels and place them in a jar with white vinegar.

This natural and eco-responsible cleaning product will allow you to take care of many nooks and crannies in your home: sink, bathtub, shower, windows, toilets, floors ... It can also be used to soften your laundry !

I choose my ecological Christmas tree!

The question that comes up every year in December: Which Christmas tree to choose? Synthetic, natural or even DIY ?

1. I buy a synthetic and reusable tree

It is true that an artificial tree lasts much longer and can serve us for years. It can even be passed from one generation to the next, if taken care of properly. The option of a synthetic christmas tree seems at first glance more sustainable. You do not cut a tree that has grown for several years, to benefit from it only for a few weeks. However, this type of tree is made from petroleum derivatives and is very difficult to recycle. In addition, a Quebec study has shown that the carbon footprint of a fir tree produced in China, crossing land and sea towards Europe, is heavier than that of a natural tree only transported 150 km. The toll is heavy for the first: the artificial Christmas tree emits 8.1 kg of CO2 compared to 3.1 kg of CO2 emitted for the tree from a forest.

There are two solutions to make your synthetic tree more eco-responsible. Take care of it and keep it as long as possible, even until the age of twenty and at least 6 years! In addition, opt for a European manufacturer ! Refuse all productions from the Asian continent, if possible. The carbon footprint will therefore be significantly smaller.

2. I opt for a natural tree

If you have chosen to decorate your home with a natural Christmas tree, check its provenance. Each kilometer traveled, significantly increases its carbon footprint. The best is to find a local fir, grown on dedicated and controlled areas, from sustainably managed forests. In addition, you can give preference to labeled trees. Two labels stand out in this area:

• The label « Plante bleue » : Certifies reasonable operating conditions and being cut after November 21st
• THe « Label Rouge » : Certifies that your fir tree comes from a forest with a lower planting density

3. I make my DIY tree

For the more creative and those who love homemade creations, we suggest you make your own Christmas tree. Kids and adults alike will love making this iconic end of the year decoration. The advantages of this solution are numerous. Your tree will be ecological and original. It won't lose thorns and you will no longer have to vacuum every day :). Each year you can choose another version and adapt it perfectly to your interior.

The Christmas tree creation workshop will enchant your children for a few hours and educate them about ecological topics and environmental protection. They will be able to proudly present their own tree to their friends. You can choose between a tree hanging on the wall, a floating tree or a recycled tree. This Christmas emblem can now be zero waste and green! To your creativity now!

I prefer green gifts!

What if this year you opted for sustainable, handmade, local or even eco friendly gifts ? There are plenty of ideas out there so that your gift this year doesn't come from halfway around the world and isn't made from petroleum products!

Here are some tips and eco-friendly gift ideas:

1. A zero waste gift box

It's a great idea to introduce someone to zero waste and green living! Opt for a box containing the essentials such as bamboo straws, a gourd, bulk bags or even beauty cosmetic bars. The guaranteed surprise effect !

2. Toys made of wood, rubber or fabrics

Yes, kids love wooden toys! They are pleasant upon touch, solid and pretty. Contructions to build, dollhouses, books ... Take a tour of the small local toy stores, they will be able to advise you. Favor natural and sustainable materials. Pay attention to the origin of the toys, opt for locally made or European gifts.

3. Beauty cosmetic bars

Yes, it's just a shampoo or a makeup remover, but they are in an unknown and surprising form. In addition, they are natural, often ORGANIC, Cruelty-Free or even Vegan. For a true ecological soul, cosmetic bars are a more than perfect gift.

There are many ideas for green gifts, don't hesitate to consult our articles on this subject !

I make my natural and DIY Christmas decorations !

A fir branch, a dried orange slice, an anise star, a ribbon, a pine cone, a jute thread… The natural and ecological accessories to make your own Christmas decoration are numerous and easily accessible. Using these objects, you can make your natural centerpiece, candle holder, garland or even a Christmas wreath. Your plates decorated with a small table branch, a stick of cinnamon and a slice of dried orange will be beautiful and eco-responsible this year!

To decorate your tree, your children can prepare small Christmas trees made of wooden sticks, recovered from ice cream. Small star-shaped shortbread cookies hanging on the branches of your tree will not only be pretty but also very tasty! We bet they won't last until the end of Christmas :)

I choose ecological gift wrapping!

This year we say goodbye to colorful wrapping paper and synthetic ribbons. This unnecessary Christmas waste is easily replaced with aesthetic and durable packaging. You can now opt for packaging that you will be able to reuse each year and which will no longer rhyme with waste!

1. I wrap my gift with a furoshiki

Furoshiki is a Japanese folding and knotting technique used to wrap gifts with square fabric. These fabrics, used at the time to transport objects or clothing to Japan, are now an inspiration for gift wrapping. You can use fabrics that you find at home, for example a nice scarf or get a furoshiki. Regardless of the shape of your gift, you can wrap it in a durable way with this fabric. They are fashionable and they are very aesthetic. A real revolution against the waste of colored gift wrap.

2. I employ kraft paper

If your heart tells you to wrap your gifts in paper, go for kraft paper. Kraft paper has the advantage of being 100% recycled and recyclable. Its composition is natural, biodegradable and does not contain any plastic material. Because it is monochrome, kraft paper is easily decoratable. You can wrap it with a jute thread, add a small fir branch or even a dried flower and your gift will have an eco-responsible, original and timeless allure.

3. I present my gifts in a bulk bag

Yes Yes ! A bulk bag is not only used to carry your fruits or vegetables. You can also use it to give gifts! Put your presents in a loose net or cotton bulk bag, use a pretty ribbon to tie a knot and you're done !

Your bulk bag will not only be used to wrap your gifts, it will be a gift in itself. An easy, eco-responsible and sustainable solution! We love it :)

4. I decorate it with a natural ribbon or jute thread

Say goodbye to environmentally harmful plastic tapes. Jute yarn or fabric tape are much more environmentally friendly and can be reused! A pretty bow is often appreciated on gift wrapping and if you too can't resist it, do so using fabric ribbons. Elegant and distinguished, they are sure to please.

If you want to decorate your pretty bow even more, use the dried flowers or a fir branch, a cinnamon stick or a dried orange slice.

5. I am using a pouch to give my gift!

Just like a bulk bag, a pouch can be used to offer your gift. Often, it is in itself the gift, so the 2 in 1 solution is ideal. No need to wrap any more, your pouch will also contain a small present and will be offered to your loved one.

This year on my Christmas table it's local and seasonal!

The eco-responsible Christmas tree, homemade decorations, eco-friendly gifts, sustainable packaging, there is still some things you can do to make your Christmas 100% green !

An ecological Christmas also involves the preparation of your favorite savory and sweet dishes. You can completely please your taste buds and satisfy your taste pleasure by choosing local and seasonal products. Winter vegetables and fruits should make their way to your kitchen this Christmas. To buy them, go picking or visit local markets or vegetable gardens. This year, we no longer consume yellow New Zealand kiwi, we opt for clementines from Corsica!