CHRISTMAS

Give ‘battery-free’ gifts.

Did you know that about 40% of all battery sales occur during the holiday season? Discarded batteries are an environmental hazard and even rechargeable batteries find their way into the waste stream eventually.

This one is a truly jolly snowman when it comes to the environment. You can see him at the lobby of the Celebrity Sports Plaza in Quezon City.

This ‘snowman’ bagged the first prize in a competition held among the club’s departments, which awarded the most eco-friendly snowman.

Recycled materials were used to build this snowman. Its body was made of worn-out vehicles tires painted with left-over white paint. Used plastic cups were used for its buttons.

For the snowman’s head, a used gym ball was utilized and it was covered with grated old Styrofoam. A broken Christmas ball made up its eyes.

Choose gifts made from recycled materials.

Many individuals and small businesses have developed great products using recycled materials. Supporting these businesses helps reduce the waste stream while promoting the concept of making the best use of available materials.

and sustainable management of natural resources found within and around the campus, conducting various activities that protect the school’s natural landscape and ecosystem.

Throughout the year, they also put into place programs geared toward the environment – encouraging recycling, waste segregation, and others.

During the holidays, the campus is decorated using only recycled materials. These efforts have resulted in numerous awards including the DENR’s Most Sustainable and Eco-friendly School award.

For its lip, the staff used discarded buttons while its nose is a medicine dosage cup covered with orange ribbon.

For the snowman’s accessories, the staff used empty Zesto tetra pak as its scarf.

Then, carton scraps were pasted on a used pail that became the snowman’s hat.

To make the snowman stand, the staff used old cartons, and used cotton foam from old pillows to connect the head to the body.

Who says Christmas decorations need to be expensive and are destructive to the environment? With creativity, hard work and patience, this ‘green’ing snowman will surely not melt (the planet) away!

It’s that time of the year when the season’s festivities get in the way of eco-conscious sensibilities. It is the busiest time when people are generous – giving gifts, attending or hosting lavish parties, constantly traveling to visit friends and family, and decorating the home to the hilt.

Even though this season is about fun and bringing good cheer, there’s no denying that all the celebration could be detrimental – especially for the environment. Not only do we consume an immense amount of food, we also leave behind carbon footprint that takes a toll on the planet.

For starters, just imagine all the discarded gift wrappers, decorations, and spoiled food. Not to mention the horrendous air pollution that the holiday traffic has done to our atmosphere and health.

It is not yet the end. In this day and age, it is possible to have an eco-friendly Christmas. We gathered some information on these selected establishments to see how they do it. It is possible that you can do it in your own homes or offices. Start small. A small eco-friendly act – such as recycling or minimizing food waste – is your huge gift to the environment.