“We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children” David Brower
There’s a huge emphasis on sustainability this year, and for good reason. We know we are currently facing an ‘unprecedented global emergency’, with serious consequences on our lifetime.
As a mum, I feel responsible for the quality of life we’ll leave to our children. But knowing what to do, can be confusing and overwhelming. Some choices seem either too complicated or expensive to put in practice.
This is why I’ve put together a few easy ideas for an eco-friendly Christmas in Dorset, including local businesses that offer environmentally friendly solutions.
If you don’t want to read the full blog, all you need to remember are these 4 key points:
When possible…
GIFTS
Gifting is such an important part of Christmas. This year consider buying pre-loved items. Remember that ‘One man’s trash is another man’s treasure’.
Another option is to buy an experience, instead of physical items. Gifting time and memories will last forever.
Experiences for adults:
Experiences for the entire family: A yearly pass to a local attraction is literally ‘the gift that keeps on giving’. Some of my favourite local attractions that offer yearly passes are:
If you still want to have something to put under the Christmas tree, you could make something yourself. You don’t even need to be very crafty. How about a hamper with your favourite local produce?
FASHION SHOPPING
Christmas is traditionally a great month for fashion sales. But the fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world. Cheap, fast fashion usually comes with a high environmental cost.
We are very lucky to have in Poole innovative shops that offer a sustainable alternative, so you can still treat yourself to a new outfit.
REPEAT is a brand new stylish shop on Bournemouth Road that encourages people to take a more active stance on sustainable shopping.
‘We offer a HIRE service (together with hair and make up for special events), an easy SWAP system where you can bring any purchased items back and exchange for store credit, and a selection of carefully selected SECONDHAND pieces‘.
You can find really special items at bargain prices for men, women and children. They also recently teamed up with The Little Beans Organic Clothing Company to stock some gorgeous handmade products for babies.
Open Wednesday to Saturday 9:00 am to 12:30 pm and also on Thursday evenings 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. If you attend after Christmas, please check their opening times as they might change. You can find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Another similar concept is Go Vintage at the Dolphin Centre, selling retro unique pieces of clothing, including branded items. They are on the first floor at the shopping centre, but you can also find them on Instagram and Facebook.
WRAPPING
Wrapping paper often contains non-paper recyclable additives, including plastic. You could make a real difference by opting for a brown reusable paper this year.
An even better alternative is i am knot wrap, a brand new business selling ‘quality, reusable, cloth gift wrap that is kind to our planet, lovingly handmade in Poole, Dorset. We offer a zero-waste alternative to single-use and non-recyclable gift wrapping. Cloth wrap can be reused for years, shared with friends and family for every occasion. These beautiful fabric squares, edged with satin for a stunning finish, come in a wide range of designs and colours and are so simple to use…wrap around your gift and knot the corners – simply perfect!’. You can find them on Instagram and Facebook.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
If you are buying decorations this year consider:
CHRISTMAS TREES
If you have a plastic tree at home, keep using it so you don’t have to cut a living tree. However, if you are getting a real tree this year, here a few eco-friendly options:
Once you are finished with your tree this year, please consider taking it to a recycling facility. We’ll publish a blog with local facilities soon.
FOOD
Christmas is traditionally a time for indulgence but you can also plan ahead in order to avoid food waste.
There are awesome local shops where you can buy only what you need, in your own containers to avoid excessive packaging. You can find Almond and co. in Westbourne or catch Olive, the mobile shop by Our Planet Zero Waste in one of their various locations across Dorset.
Or why not, going veggie or vegan this Christmas? The local supermarkets are definitely upping their game with plant-based Christmas treats this year.
We hope you find this blog useful. We’ll be publishing further blogs on this series very soon. Please drop us a line here if there’s anything you’d like us to write about.
But for now, we hope you have a wonderful Christmas!
Blog written by Maria Vargas.
