Wildlife Friendly Christmas

The Christmas holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and family. However, it can also be a time of environmental strain. With a little planning and effort, we can make our celebrations more sustainable and a more wildlife friendly Christmas time.

Choosing Your Tree

Real vs. Artificial:

• Real Trees:
  • Sustainable Sourcing: Opt for a real Christmas tree sourced from a certified sustainable forestry program like the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) or the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). These programs ensure that trees are harvested responsibly and that forests are managed for long-term health. Real Christmas trees can provide numerous environmental benefits, including supporting biodiversity and carbon sequestration. After the holiday season, these trees can be recycled into mulch, composted, or even repurposed as wildlife habitat, making them a truly sustainable choice. By choosing a real, sustainably sourced tree, you're contributing to a healthier planet and supporting a wildlife friendly Christmas season.
  • Local Sourcing: Buying a locally sourced tree reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
  • Post-Holiday Use: Real trees can be repurposed in various ways, such as creating wildlife habitats, mulching gardens, or donating them to erosion control projects.
• Artificial Trees:
  • Environmental Impact: While convenient, artificial trees often have a significant environmental impact due to their production and disposal. Consider the long-term use and potential for recycling or reuse before purchasing.

Decorating Your Tree

• Natural Ornaments: Use natural materials like pine cones, dried fruits, and twigs to decorate your tree. These ornaments can provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Choose LED lights, which use less energy and produce less heat than traditional incandescent bulbs.
• Avoid Toxic Decorations: Steer clear of decorations that contain harmful chemicals, such as lead or mercury. These substances can be toxic to wildlife and humans. By choosing natural, biodegradable ornaments and energy-efficient lighting, you can ensure a more wildlife friendly Christmas. Opt for natural, biodegradable ornaments, like dried fruits, pine cones, or handcrafted decorations made from sustainable materials. Additionally, consider using energy-efficient LED lights to minimize light pollution that can disrupt wildlife's natural rhythms.

Natural Landscape

• Native Plants: Consider planting native plants in your garden. These plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife and require less maintenance than non-native species.
  • Winter Interest: Incorporate plants that offer winter interest, such as berries, seeds, or evergreen foliage, to provide food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

Wildlife Friendly Christmas Presents!

• Bird Feeders: Set up bird feeders and birdbaths to attract a variety of bird species to your yard. Choose high-quality birdseed and clean feeders regularly to prevent the spread of disease. Check out Viking Garden Creations Wildlife Friendly Christmas Presents YouTube video above.
• Water Features: A small pond or birdbath can provide a vital water source for birds and other wildlife, especially during dry periods.
  • Ice Breakers: During winter, place a floating object, like a ball or cork, in the water to prevent it from freezing completely, ensuring a continuous water source for birds.
• Minimize Pesticide Use: Use natural pest control methods whenever possible to protect pollinators and other beneficial insects.

Ethical Sustainable Gift-Giving

• Experiences Over Things: Consider giving experiences like tickets to a local theatre show, a cooking class, or a donation to a charity.
• Mindful Consumption: Choose gifts that are ethically sourced, durable, and made from sustainable materials.
• DIY Gifts: Create personalized gifts using recycled materials or natural ingredients.
• Reduce Packaging Waste: Minimize packaging waste by choosing gifts with minimal packaging or wrapping gifts in reusable materials like fabric or newspaper.

Eco-Friendly Meals

• Local and Seasonal Foods: Choose locally sourced and seasonal ingredients to reduce the carbon footprint of your meals.
• Reduce Food Waste: Plan your meals carefully, store leftovers properly, and compost food scraps.
• Sustainable Seafood: Opt for sustainably sourced seafood to protect marine ecosystems.
  • Seafood Watch: Use a seafood guide like Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch to make informed choices.

Considerations for Travel

• Carpooling: Share rides with friends and family to reduce carbon emissions.
• Public Transportation: Use public transportation whenever possible.

Choosing Sustainable Accommodations

When planning your holiday travels, consider the environmental impact of your accommodation choices. Here are some tips to help you make sustainable choices:

Eco-Friendly Accommodations

Choose accommodations that prioritize sustainability, such as hotels with green certifications. Research family owned establishments.

Green Certifications

• Look for Certifications: Many hotels and accommodations have certifications that indicate their commitment to sustainability. Some common certifications include:

  • LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
  • Green Key
  • EarthCheck
  • Green Globe

• Research the Certification: Understand what each certification entails. Some certifications focus on energy efficiency, while others prioritize water conservation or waste reduction.

Family-Owned Establishments

• Support Local Businesses: Family-owned establishments often have a deeper connection to the local community and may prioritize sustainable practices.
• Personalized Service: Family-run businesses often offer personalized service and can provide valuable local insights.
• Unique Experiences: These establishments may offer unique experiences, such as farm-to-table dining or cultural activities, that contribute to a more authentic and sustainable travel experience.

Other Sustainable Considerations

• Location: Choose accommodations that are within walking distance of attractions or public transportation to reduce reliance on cars.
• Amenities: Consider the amenities offered by the accommodation. Opt for places that minimize waste, such as those that offer reusable toiletries or reduce single-use plastics.
• Local Sourcing: Look for accommodations that source food and other products locally to support the local economy and reduce transportation emissions.
• Eco-Friendly Practices: Inquire about the hotel's specific eco-friendly practices, such as recycling programs, energy-efficient lighting, and water conservation measures.

By making conscious choices, you can contribute to a more sustainable future, enjoy a more meaningful travel experience, and celebrate a wildlife friendly Christmas. Consider the environmental impact of your accommodation, choose eco-friendly transportation options, and support local businesses that prioritize sustainability. By taking these steps, you can help to protect our planet and ensure a brighter future for generations to come.

Post-Holiday Tree Disposal

• Wildlife Habitat: Place your tree in a wooded area or your backyard, where it can provide shelter for birds and small mammals.
• Mulch: Chip your tree into mulch and spread it around your garden.
• Beach Dune Restoration: In coastal areas, Christmas trees can be used to help stabilize sand dunes.
• Composting: If your local municipality allows it, you can compost your Christmas tree.

Additional Tips for a Sustainable Holiday

• Energy Conservation: Turn off lights and unplug electronics when not in use. Use energy-efficient appliances and lighting.
• Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Minimize waste by using reusable decorations and wrapping paper. Recycle cardboard and paper products.
• Support Wildlife Conservation: Donate to organizations that protect wildlife and their habitats.
• Educate Others: Share your knowledge about wildlife-friendly holiday practices with friends and family.

By incorporating these tips into your holiday plans, you can make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable future. Remember, small changes can make a big difference. Let's work together to create a joyful and eco-friendly holiday season.