ENG | 
Depending on the region of Poland, Christmas traditions may differ from place to place. Some customs simply change, others evolve – but it doesn’t take a big revolution to make the next Christmas at least a bit more ecologically-friendly. Check out below how you can make your climate wishes become one step closer to coming true this holiday season:
- Plan your shopping
Make a list of the foods you want to prepare this Christmas. Remember to adjust the amount of food to match the expected number of guests, which will help reduce the possibility of food going to waste. It’s also a good idea to ask if your guests plan to bring any dishes with them because, while you may all love a good veggie salad, sometimes it really can be too much. Also, opt for foods that can stay fresh longer. You can easily freeze dumplings and gingerbread, and shortbread cookies don’t need to be eaten the first day either – unless you feel like it!
- Offer more plant-based options
While you’re planning your grocery list, see if you can incorporate plant-based foods into your holiday menu. Reducing the amount of meat that is consumed can help reduce the GHG emissions associated with your dinner.
- Eco-packaging and decorations
If you have Christmas decorations at home, reuse them. This is a bonus situation, where you not only avoid having to buy new decorations, but you also avoid generating more waste! If something is worn out or broken, you can also make new decorations yourself! While you’re out and about, collect pinecones and twigs, pull out some twine, sift out some dried fruit and nuts – you can easily make elegant centerpieces to create a festive atmosphere.
You can also skip the mounds of glossy paper with Santa Claus printed on it to wrap presents: brown, eco-friendly wrapping paper will do just fine, as will old newspapers or even unnecessary clothes.
- Exchange misplaced gifts
Sometimes, despite our best intentions and warm wishes, someone close to us does not hit the mark when giving a gift. That’s why it may be worth talking to your loved ones before Christmas about what you would like to get, to reduce the chances of getting something that will end up going unused and turning into premature waste. However, for those that prefer the climate of surprises, you can exchange the ‘wrong’ gift with others! It’s better than keeping a gift buried in a cupboard only to throw it away after the holidays are over.
No matter how you wrap your gifts or what yummy treats you prepare, Christmas is a time where being together is the most important thing. Above all, enjoy the presence of loved ones and call those who, for various reasons, are not around you. Perhaps together you can find ways to implement even more ways to have a green Christmas.
From all of us at TerGo, Merry Christmas to you – and to our planet!
