Christmas is just around the corner. Are you still thinking of ways to celebrate the holidays the sustainable and eco-friendly way? Ako Ang Bukas (AAB) encourages you to try these seven ways to spend Christmas without the environmental guilt!

Get crafty with old papers

The practice of recycling old papers is always a great idea. Not only are you saving the environment, especially trees which are our carbon sinks, you also are saving more money—plus, you also get to experiment with different handicrafts! Do not throw away your old newspapers, magazines, boxes, or even last year’s gift bags. They all for sure have their eco-friendly purpose this Christmas.

Repurpose old clothes

Every year, around 92 million tons of old or unused garments end up in landfills.  Like recycling old papers, you also get to save the environment, save money, and acquire new skills (and, potentially, a new hobby!) by repurposing your old clothes. It would be a great idea to handcraft your Christmas gifts by using your old clothes—blankets, sweaters, tote bags, and other ideas that engrave your personal touch!

Channel your inner plantito and plantita

The recent years have definitely brought out a lot of plantitos and plantitas in us, especially when we all were in lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. What special way to adore our plants more and add to the breezy Christmas atmosphere by going green and surrounding our homes with them this Christmas. 

Be wise with use of lights

We love our bright decorations during the holiday season, but now more than ever, it is important that we keep in mind the negative effects of using too many lights, especially the high intensity ones. Light is among the leading pollutants, affecting nocturnal and migrating animals. Using firecrackers also counts as a caution in our usage of lights during the holidays! Not only are they air pollutants that add to the disturbing smog, they also frighten animals. Lights and sparkles for sure look good during the holidays, but as the saying goes, too much good is bad.

Prevent excess food waste

Holiday season means feasting big, but regardless of the season, we must be responsible for the amount of food we prepare. When we waste food, not only do we waste the resources and the energy needed to produce them, we also let them pile up in landfills and rot. Rotten food produces methane, which is a greenhouse gas (GHG), and GHGs are the leading cause of global warming—ultimately, climate change. This Christmas, savor food to the bone and feast responsibly!

Patronize local shops

If you are running out of Christmas gift ideas, fret not because your local shops will always have the best options with quality, unique, and innovative concepts. There are many benefits in buying from local shops. You get to help with the local economy, support small business owners, promote genuine sustainability, save the environment, and reduce carbon footprints. 2024 is coming to an end but it is never too late to start patronizing local shops!

Be an early planner

Having mentioned reducing and managing your carbon footprints better, the ideal way to do so is to plan your holidays early. List down all the gifts and food you are to purchase, then plan ahead on where and when to purchase them. This way, you get to manage your travels and foresee days when there may be potential holiday traffic. Less time outside, less carbon footprints, more time to enjoy the cozy holidays at the comfort of your own homes.

Christmas is just around the corner, but climate change is a pressing issue that requires urgent action. There are different ways to enjoy the holidays while being mindful of our role as stewards of God’s creation. The seven listed ways above are just a few of them. Try these and make them a habit for more holidays to come!

Want to make a bigger difference? Join the Ako Ang Bukas (AAB), a Philippine multi-sectoral environmental movement with the focal campaign “Quantum Leap NOW to Climate Neutrality 2050!” by visiting this link: bit.ly/AKOANGBUKAS