Although Christmas involves lot of fun and frolic but a number of items such as cards, wrapping paper and other lighting decorations are thrown away during this season. It has been found that during the Christmas period, we place up to 30% more aluminum and steel drink cans than usual in our dustbins, thereby generating more than three million tones of rubbish over this time. These are alarming facts and all of us should do our bit to make the environment safer and cleaner to live in.

Here are some tips for a more environment friendly and greener Christmas.

1. First of all, you need to switch from classic lighting to LED lights, which last longer and use 80-90 % less energy. The cost is more or less the same but the only benefit is that these lights are much more environmentally friendly and save a lot of power. You can even try using garlands instead of lights to save energy.
2. Use rechargeable batteries in all your Christmas electronics and gifts. Turn off the electric devices when not in use. An excellent way of saving energy would be to use solar powered lights.
3. Another way to conserve energy would be to use candles instead of lights. Candles are much more romantic and seductive, so why not use them? Moreover, you can turn the lights on only for gatherings or when you are out. This would help to save energy.
4. Well, a Christmas season cannot be imagined without gifts, cards or greetings. Instead of giving the usual paper cards, you can be creative and mail e-cards. You can even create a photo album and add music to your own greeting. After all, it would be a great way to achieve your purpose and the e-card is much eco-friendly too!
5. If you are under the impression that an artificial tree would benefit the environment, then think again! These trees are petroleum based and made up of non-biodegradable materials. Instead go for a natural one and later plant it in your garden so that it can be used again next year.
6. Instead of buying wrapping paper for the presents, try using what you already have around the house. You can think of wrapping presents in posters, glossy magazine covers or decorative grocery bags. If you love to wrap gifts in the traditional paper then go for a recycled version. They are much mote attractive and environment friendly also.
7. Lastly, if you have thrown a Christmas party at your place, then try to sort out different leftover items that can be recycled like drink cans and bottles and place those in your recycling box/bag to be taken away for recycling. After the party is over, the leftover vegetables can be put in the compost bin so that it can be taken away for composting.

Well, the above ideas will certainly help you to have a fun-filled and environment friendly Christmas.

Tags: best tips for a green christmas, ideas for environment friendly Christmas, tips for a more environment friendly and greener Christmas