How To: An Eco-Friendly Christmas

This is my favourite time of year. The holidays fill people with joy, and deep down we all know that we love giving more than getting, and that is a wonderful thing! With everyone feeling the joy of the season, I wanted to delve into how to have a more eco-friendly Christmas so that our planet can be happy too.

Some things to consider when planning your holiday celebrations:

1. Buy Local: buying local spreads the seasonal joy to shop owners and helps them also have a Merry Christmas. Many local businesses source their materials locally, and you are entirely cutting out the process of shipping associated with big brands. Choosing to shop local is a win for everyone.

2. Choose the Right Wrapping Paper: wrapping paper that has non-recyclables in it such as foil, plastic, and glitter means generating a lot of waste. Try to make sure the paper you choose can be recycled. Better yet, use already recycled paper such as brown paper. If you are crafty or looking for a Pinterest worthy Christmas, you can do this with brown paper! Below is reindeer gifts, which are brown paper styled with pom-poms, spare Christmas tree branches, and a black Sharpie! This is what I did last year and it was a hit!

How cute are these! Recycled brown paper + extra tree branches + pom poms 

3. Eat Mindfully: again, shopping local is always better. Sourcing as much as you can from local farms and markets greatly reduces the carbon footprint of the food you are buying. And again- you are supporting local farmers and families! Bring your own bags and grab some veggies that were grown locally. For alcohol, there is no shortage of local breweries and wineries to stock your fridges for guests!! After the meal happens, it is also important to remember to reduce food waste. Food production can be a strain on our environment and it makes a huge difference to plan appropriately and have all food be consumed or repurposed into leftover dishes.

Local Guide: 

not to say there aren't endless possibilities- but here are a few favourites! 

Shops: 

• Wild Birds Unlimited, Barrie: (ha, see what I did there). We have a ton of gift-worthy products including items made to help us all be more environmentally friendly such as reusable bags, drier balls, and stainless steel straws 
• Shiny Soul Creations: intention and wellness-based gemstone jewelry, these unique pieces will thrill anyone on your list 
• Two Sisters Naturals: hand-crafted skin, bath, and home care products that are entirely plant-based
• The Osgoode Company: beautifully crafted clothing, you can actually sport items depicting "Local Love"
• Madame Babu: comfortable, versatile and handmade pieces including kimonos, dresses, and accessories. The owner has a no-waste mandate and strives to repurpose all scrap material 

Beer and Wine: 

• Redline Brewhouse: located in the south end of Barrie and available in the LCBO, for the holidays they have launched The Goodest Boy Ale, where each can features dogs up for adoption through Finding Them Homes. Proceeds from every can that is sold will go back to this amazing organization. There is also a launch party on December 21st where you can meet the dogs, more information here
• Flying Monkeys Craft Brewery: Normal is Weird. We agree. A favourite local hangout, available in LCBOs and on-site in downtown Barrie 
• Holland Marsh Wineries: wine is only sold in house, so guests can have a chance to try something new! Beautiful location and great wine! 

Wishing you the happiest of holidays. No one is perfect, but if all of us make an attempt to "green" our holidays, the impact will be grand. And after all, this time of year is about spreading cheer.

Warmly, 

Heather