Every year, Christmas is also a celebration of resource waste – an additional 5,500 tonnes of paper waste pollutes the environment at Christmas
Vienna (OTS) – Around Christmas, mountains of garbage are growing in Austria and resources are wasted, warns the environmental protection organization Greenpeace. Especially during the holidays, parcel shipping increases and so does the amount of paper waste. The Christmas season alone causes an additional 5,500 tonnes of paper and cardboard waste. “At Christmas, don’t just do something good for your loved ones, but also for the environment. This can be achieved, for example, with consciously chosen gifts or decorations and reusable packaging”, says Lisa Panhuber, expert at Greenpeace. To save resources at Christmas, Greenpeace offers five tips for the holidays:
1. Give it time
Time is our most valuable asset. For many people, giving time is much more valuable than an “embarrassing gift” bought quickly that ends up in a drawer or trash can. This is also better for the environment, because the production and use of consumer goods causes up to 40% of climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions from households. A survey by pollster Yougov also found that more than half of people aged 18 to 44 are dissatisfied with traditional gifts. Food, care and cosmetic products, as well as clothing, are particularly unpopular. There are many ways to give the gift of time. From workshops or visits to events in the area to vouchers for small repairs, babysitting or help around the house. It is guaranteed that satisfaction will increase and the exchange rate will decrease.
2. Christmas tree and decorations
Christmas trees are often a huge burden on the environment and biodiversity. Because huge monocultures of cultivated Christmas trees are weakening our forests in the fight against the climate crisis. Large amounts of climate-damaging fertilizers and toxic pesticides have to be used there. After a short time in the room, the Christmas trees are discarded and burned. This causes them to release the stored CO2 again. There are countless ways to rethink the concept of a “Christmas tree” because there are many different ways to create a Christmas atmosphere. Whether through atmospheric wall decoration or repurposing a houseplant. Christmas decorations can also be easily made by yourself and thus gain personal value.
3. Save the packaging
Producing a ton of new paper requires almost as much energy as producing a ton of steel. The more complex and heavier the wrapping paper, the more harmful it is to the environment. This applies to both production and disposal. Coated paper can hardly be recycled and is therefore burned together with the residual waste. It is more environmentally friendly, for example, to wrap gifts using reusable textiles, such as a tea towel, in reusable gift bags or in wrapping paper or old newspaper.
4. Avoid return packages
Especially at Christmas, one in twelve people buys gifts exclusively online. But much of it goes unused, as a quarter of packages are returned. Returning a package alone causes as many CO2 emissions as the electricity consumption of an Austrian household for an entire day. Furthermore, not only does sending Christmas parcels create an additional 5,500 tonnes of paper and cardboard waste, but returned goods are often destroyed. If you decide to give material gifts, it is advisable to look for second-hand stores, buy refurbished products or look for meaningful gifts in small local stores.
5. Plan trips correctly
Traffic jams, whether on the way to see friends, family or on vacation – mean stress for drivers, but also for the climate. Increasing traffic volumes and winter weather conditions also increase the risk of accidents. Traveling by public transport or shared car helps the mood and a stress-free Christmas.
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Questions and contact:
Lisa Panhuber
Circular economy specialist
Greenpeace in Austria
Tel.: + 43(0)664 6126712
Email: [email protected]
Magnus Reinel
Press spokesperson
Greenpeace in Austria
Tel.: +43(0)664 8817 2210
Email: [email protected]