I’m sure you’re all looking forward to celebrating Christmas with your family and acknowledging all the things we are grateful for this year, despite it being so tough for everyone.

For us at M&M Eco, Christmas signifies the end of a chapter in our lives that none of us will ever forget.

One of the things I have been grateful for, particularly over the lockdown period, was time to reconnect with nature and understanding that no matter what is going on personally and worldwide, we still can make conscious choices that will positively impact our amazing planet for generations to come.

As we all head into big celebrations here are some great hints and tips to help you leave a smaller footprint on the planet.

• In Australia we use around 8,000 tonnes of gift wrapping paper, that’s around 50,000 trees!
• Over 5 million tonnes of food end up in landfill during Christmas.
• Last year there were 10 million unwanted gifts – many of them ending up in landfill also.

Here are our 12 TOP TIPS to create a sustainable Festive Season:

1. Invitations – E-invitations are paperless and save time and postage. A perfect eco-way to send your festive invites.
2. Christmas cards – If you prefer the tradition of sending cards, try using left over cards or cards made from recycled paper. Or buy cards that donate to charity or make a switch to a Christmas postcard, saving the need for an envelope.
3. Advent Calendar – Advent calendars are a fun way counting down to Christmas Day. Make your own eco-friendly reusable calendar, reducing plastic going into landfill and bring out your creative side. Here are some ideas to fill the calendar:

• Photos of the past year
• Family activities
• Lollies or chocolate without plastic wrapping
• Stickers
• Random act of kindness/Gratitude
• Books
• Messages or jokes
• Stationary (practical items)
• Homemade goodies
• Activity sheets

4. Christmas Wreath – Make an eco-wreath very easily using native greenery.
5. Christmas Tree – Real or fake? Repurpose a tree or other potted plant as an alternative to a plastic tree. However, if using a plastic tree, keep it as long as possible. Real pine trees are a good option as most trees are plantation grown. Farmer’s will replace them straight after they are cut down. During the process of growth, the tree is home to birds and helps absorb carbon dioxide.
6. Table Setting – Let nature be your setting this year. Make a beautiful tablescape, using pine cones, pomegranates, any native foliage that you’d like, Glass Christmas decorations and candles made from soy. Bring out your best cutlery and tableware, make the glasses sparkle. If you need name cards, why not make them eatable and gifts that they can take home for the midnight snack. Use linen tablecloths and napkins.

7. Eco friendly Crackers – Making your own plastic free crackers for a personal touch, add some flower seeds for a cracker they will remember and use.
8. For Reindeers – Children love making reindeer food. This fun project is ecofriendly and a lovely outdoor adventure is required. Check out this link for one way you can made reindeer food www.pretty_pursuit.com
9. Gift Wrapping – Have you tried Furoshiki, a Japanese fabric wrapping style. You can also use scarfs as a substitute for paper – and … you don’t need sticky tape.
10. Food – Have you ever worried about having enough food for Christmas Day? Before you head out shopping, make a shopping list and try to stick it. If you do find yourself having yummy leftovers. Use the leftovers to create new meals or make the most of your freezer to have meals on hand when you need.
11. Lights – We all love the sparkling lights – but let’s switch to LED or consider solar lighting for outdoors. To reduce your energy bill, have your lights on an automated timer.

AND…

Remember the meaning of Christmas – reflect, rejoice and share the celebrations.

We know Christmas is only a week away, but here are some great last minute sustainable gift ideas.

• Donate to a charity in the receivers’ name.
• Give an experience, rather than an item – perhaps something you could both enjoy.
• Have a family Kris Kringle, you could also create a theme, such as eco-friendly gifts only.
• Bake your own gifts – chocolate balls, gingerbread people, mince tarts, White Christmas, etc.
• Consider an up-cycled or recycled gift – like a second hand book or plant you’ve grown.
• Membership to a museum, Melbourne Zoo or another nature related environmentally friendly cause.
• Consider gifts that are not only good for the environment, but good for your health and body – like @Marjorie&May.

Whatever you choose, think ethically, purchase local, minimize packaging and reuse when possible.

Oh – and stock up on green rechargeable batteries and a battery charger if you do have battery operated gifts to give.

Thank you all once again for your amazing support and apologies that we have not been able to support you as much as we would have liked.

We are confident that 2022 will ring in a positive and exciting new beginning as we roll into a (hopefully) lockdown free year for us all.

Wishing you all the joy and happiness of the season, take some time out for yourselves and we can’t wait to touch base in the New Year!

With gratitude.

Pauline, Poppy & Tara