A 12 days of Christmas poem for some green inspiration, written by Jean Burrows, a member of the Eco Church team at recently awarded Bronze Eco Church, Hutton and Shenfield Union Church
The 12 Days of a Green(er) Christmas
On the first day of Christmas
Buy a real Christmas tree from a sustainable source. After Christmas plant it, or take it to a local recycling centre
On the second day of Christmas
If you need some new Christmas lights or electrical goods don’t bin the old ones, donate them or take them to your local recycling centre.
On the third day of Christmas
Buy recycled Christmas cards, send an e-card or make your own.
On the fourth day of Christmas
There’s nothing worse than smiling a grateful thanks for a present you don’t really want, so give consumable presents, buy a membership or an experience day or go for a luxury meal and/or the theatre.
On the fifth day of Christmas
Are you buying presents that use batteries? If so, why not add recycled batteries and a charger?
On the sixth day of Christmas
When shopping use your LOAF
(Local ———————– Organic ———————– Animal friendly ———————– Fairtrade)
On the seventh day of Christmas
Buy eco-crackers or, in the best Blue Peter tradition, make your own. all you need is a few toilet tube rolls, newspaper and some small gifts people might actually want.
On the eighth day of Christmas
Go for a walk, decorate a tree for wildlife (suet balls etc), but make sure it’s where the birds can see the cat coming, or use twigs to create a 5 pointed star and find other natural things to decorate it with.
On the ninth day of Christmas
Use the wrapping paper recycling test: scrunch it up into a ball, if it stays in shape you can recycle it. Alternatively use magazine articles the recipient will enjoy reading and they get two presents for the price of one.
On the tenth day of Christmas
Where possible freeze leftovers rather than binning them.
On the eleventh day of Christmas
Had time to read all those magazines you subscribe to over the festive period? Why not pass them on to a friend?
On the twelfth day of Christmas
Make a New Year’s Resolution to get in touch with the seasons and/or seek out local adventures. Or simply make your own eco-resolution (and keep to it!)