As we anticipate the coming of the Christ Child this Advent, how can we live more deeply into our call to be good stewards of our earthly home? The Earth Care committee has a few ideas to make our Christmas celebrations more sustainable and just as joyful.
· Upgrade any traditional holiday lights you still own with LED bulbs, which are 90% more energy efficient, longer lasting, break resistant and cooler to the touch. Recycle the old strands at these locations in Evanston.
· Reduce your carbon footprint by buying a locally cut tree (grown within 400 miles of where it’s sold) and make sure you mulch or recycle it when the holidays are over. If you own an artificial tree, plan to keep it for at least 10 years to minimize the environmental impact of throwing it away.
· Reuse wrapping paper or gift bags, purchase brown paper or go without. (Check out these helpful tips about which kinds of paper are – or aren’t — recyclable.) Experiential gifts create lasting memories while minimizing shopping and wrapping.
· Shop locally, especially with small and independent business owners. And be sure to bring your own reusable bag to tote your items home.
· When you shop online, bundle as many items as you can into one shipment and choose later shipping dates. And remember, you can drop off white rigid packing foam #6 (aka Styrofoam) here at First Church to be recycled at Abt.