12 Tips for a greener Christmas from the Ministry of the Environment (starting with 100% Ontario honey!)
December 19, 2014
Check out the news release here
News Release
Top 12 Tips for a Greener Holiday
Rejoice, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle
December 19, 2014 11:00 A.M.
Make environmentally friendly choices this holiday season to fight climate change and keep Ontario's air, land, and water clean.
Here are 12 tips for greening this year's festivities:
- Give a gift or cook with the sweet goodness of Ontario honey this holiday. Look for the 100 per cent Ontario Honey logo or find a producer or retailer near you.
- Pick Ontario: Brighten your table with beautiful Ontario potted plants and fresh cut flowers. Grown near you, these plants spend less time in transit so they last longer.
- Get an Ontario-grown Christmas tree. Find a fir, pick a pine or saw down a spruce.
- Reduce your carbon footprint at the dinner table. Ontario has a wide range of local foods available in December. Try this Ontario squash recipe for your holiday meal.
- Hosting a party? Choose fun and festive reusable drinking glasses and ceramic plates. Real silverware will make your party elegant and eco-friendly.
- Choose energy-efficient holiday lights and decorations made of recycled materials. Bored of your decorations? Hold a swap with friends to freshen up your look -- and save money and the environment.
- Discover local craft beer to complement any meal or surprise someone on your list with a gift from your nearby microbrewery.
- It's easy to pair wine with your feast with local wines and delicious recipes from the LCBO.
- Choose toys that come without plastic or cardboard packaging, and wrap them in cloth bags or old gift bags.
- Check the labels before you buy holiday gifts for kids. Look for toys that include the manufacturer's contact information, age labels and safety messages. Consider giving gently used books, or toys made from Ontario wood or recycled non-toxic plastic.
- Looking for green gift ideas? How about donating to a local charity or non-profit in the recipient's name? You'll ho-ho-hold the wrapping paper and bring a little holiday spirit to someone else in need.
- Give the gift of time by helping a neighbor shovel their snow or help with household chores or repairs.
Quick Facts
- Locally grown food travels less, is fresher and supports Ontario farmers.
- Ontario bees and beekeepers produce some of the best honey in the world.
- It takes up to 20 years to offset the environmental impact of a plastic Christmas tree instead of real ones.
- LEDs use 80 per cent less energy than incandescent bulbs and last more than 25 times longer.
- Putting your holiday lights on a timer saves on electricity bills and lowers your carbon footprint.
Additional Resources
- Find Ontario honey, florists, trees, wine and beer near you.
- How to help your community: Ontario Volunteer Centre Network or nonprofit organizations
- Want to donate? Get the facts before you give.
Quotes
“Fighting climate change and working to keep our air, land, and water clean will ensure Ontario's prosperity and quality of life for today and for future generations. My family’s Christmas traditions include buying local. We love to brighten our home with fresh Ontario flowers and deck our table with delicious Ontario produce, especially my favourite cabbage rolls.”
