Christmas is not likely to be named ‘Greenest Holiday of the Year’ any time soon. But there are some simple and fun things you can do to make it more eco-friendly.
The internet is full of Green Christmas ideas, and I may be recycling a couple of those here. But I’m also going to make some specific suggestions just for London Drugs Green Deal shoppers. So grab yourself an organic egg nog and read on.
1. Really think about the person you’re giving to.
There’s nothing worse than giving someone a gift they won’t use. Think about their hobbies, their tastes, what kind of decor they have in their home. If you can’t find something tailored to their lifestyle, see idea 2.
2. Get creative with a gift card
A London Drugs gift card is something everyone can use. It’s also light, easy to ship and uses 2500% less wrapping than, say, a 150-gallon aquarium. A little generic, you say? Make your own funky package with some recycled paper, a few pine boughs trimmed from your tree, some of last year’s Christmas cards or your 4-year-old’s latest artistic masterpiece. See idea 5.
3. Give the gift of recycling.
London Drugs offers free recycling for packaging as well as old appliances and electronics you replace with a purchase from our stores. Give that service along with your gift simply by including the original receipt from the purchase. This can then be used to bring back the packaging or an older model of the electronics or appliance for free recycling* at any London Drugs location.
(*Recycling fees are waived as long as the fee for the item purchased is equal to or greater than the fee for the item being recycled)
4. Switch all your Christmas lights to LED’s
Light Emitting Diode lights come in brilliant colours and use a fraction of the energy of older bulbs. Look for the Green Deal signs on Danson Decor lights at London Drugs, available for indoor or outdoor use. Then be sure to recycle your old incandescent lights. In the Lower Mainland, bring old lights to Bright Nights in Stanley Park. On the Island, Deck the Halls at Saanich Municipal Hall will collect old light strings November 28 through January 3. There’s also a chance to recycle old light strings during the West Coast Christmas Show in Abbotsford, Nov. 27-29.
To find about more incandescent light string recycling options in BC, contact the Recycling Council of British Columbia’s Recycling Hotline at 1800 677 4321. Or call your local municipal waste office.
5. Make your own Christmas Wrap
OK, we’ve all heard this one. And it might not work for everyone on your list. But it can be fun to spread out some old newspapers, carve a potato stencil, get out the poster paint and stamp up some custom recycled wrap as White Christmas plays in the background. This is also a great way to reuse your kids’ kindergarten painting projects. Last years’ Christmas cards can be cut up and hole-punched for gift tags.
6. Rechargeable Batteries Included
Giving an electronic game or toy? Wrap up a set of Energizer Rechargeables and a charger. It’s a great way to add value to any powered gift, and will help kids get in the habit of charging their own batteries while thinking about power consumption. It also keeps those gifts going long past Boxing Day.
7. Green your crackling fire
You can now have a glowing hearth with 80% less pollutants and 70% less greenhouse gas emissions. Duraflame CrackleFlame firelogs (available at London Drugs) are made with 100% recycled and renewable resources. They have switched to a biowax formula, made from renewable plant and vegetable materials – not petroleum waxes. No trees are cut down, as Duraflame firelogs use sawdust and agricultural biomass. So toss another one on. Or, just tune in your new EnergyStar rated flat-screen to the fire channel.
8. Fair-Trade and Organic Goodies for coffee and cocoa lovers
Certified products say you’ve put just a little more thought into it. Organic chocolate by Green & Black’s and coffee from Ethical Bean or Kicking Horse are just a few options available at your local London Drugs.
9. Recycle your Christmas Tree
If you like your tree real, don’t send it to the landfill! Look for tree chipping events or municipal pick-up days for tree composting. Make sure you remove all plastic, ornaments and tinsel first.
10. Add your own Carbon-Neutral Services
Give a nice little present, then include a coupon for that extra personal touch. Like a tube of Burt’s Bees Coconut Foot Creme, with a coupon good for 5 free foot massages. Note, this kind of gift works best for the one you love. As an office gift – not so much.
Do you have a suggestion? Add a comment below and send us your Green Deal Christmas ideas.
