There are so many ways we can be sustainable at home and the holiday season is the perfect time for families to gather and spend time with one another. Unfortunately, families were unable to gather this holiday season and many remained at home. With this in mind, GCM Colloquium wanted to bring some sustainable holiday cheer to all households. Throughout the five day journey, Colloquium invited all viewers to explore different sustainable alternatives that can be implemented both during the holiday season and their everyday home routines.
On the First Day of Sustainability, Colloquium shared with me - Four Conscious Choices
Once a routine is created, one may not notice the need to create changes. With this in mind, Colloquium wanted to showcase four conscious choices that one can easily implement in their home.
The first suggestion consisted of using cloth napkins instead of single-use. By making this switch, households will limit the amount they’re sending to the landfill.
The second suggestion was to make use of glass or stainless steel food containers. During the holiday season, a lot of cooking and baking takes place. Knowing this, Colloquium wanted to suggest a solution on how to deal with meal leftovers in a sustainable manner.
The third suggestion was a sustainable alternative to use while doing your holiday baking! Instead of using single-use bakeware, like a baking sheet, try utilizing silicone baking mats. These baking mats can be purchased at your local baking/cooking store and are an affordable swap to consider.
The final conscious choice Colloquium offered was choosing reusable beeswax food wrap instead of plastic. These wraps can be used over and over and just need to be washed after each use.
On the Second Day of Sustainability, Colloquium shared with me - Five Holiday Gift Ideas
The holiday season is known as the season of giving so why not give back to the environment? Colloquium outlined five sustainable gift suggestions that would make for a wonderful present.
Gift Idea #1 - purchase gifts with paper reusable packaging. Perhaps instead of picking a product wrapped in plastic, choose the one in a recycled paperboard box.
Gift Idea #2 - consisted of purchasing reusable gifts. Some great examples included; coffee/tea tumblers, metal straws, and reusable grocery bags.
Gift Idea #3 - the suggestion was not for a specific product, but to think about our shopping habits and to shop locally. By shopping locally not only are you supporting your local businesses but you’re also decreasing your carbon footprint by limiting travel.
Gift Idea #4 - purchase a sustainable living book that introduces the concept of zero-waste living.
Gift Idea #5 - consisted of donating money in one's name to a local charity.
On the Third Day of Sustainability, Colloquium shared with me - DIY Beeswax Food Wrap
Beeswax food wraps are an amazing alternative to plastic. These wraps can be reused and are a fun craft to do at home on your own or with family and friends (once Covid-19 restrictions allow it)!
The DIY recipe is as follows::
Requirements:
-A piece of 100% cotton fabric
-Cosmetic grade beeswax pellets
-Paintbrush
-Baking sheet and parchment paper
-A hanger
-Clips
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees celsius.
Step 1: Get a baking tray and cover it with parchment paper. Lay the fabric down and evenly sprinkle the beeswax pellets.
Step 2: Put the tray in the oven for 4-8 minutes.
Step 3: Spread the melted wax with a paintbrush over the fabric, and make sure to get the edges.
Step 4: Hang on the hanger to dry.
On the Fourth Day of Sustainability, Colloquium shared with me - How to Package Sustainably
This holiday season was one that no one has seen before. Unfortunately, families were not able to have the same gift exchange experience and Colloquium wanted to find a more sustainable alternative to use when mailing gifts. Biodegradable packing peanuts are great to use when mailing more delicate items. Unlike the plastic alternative, these peanuts dissolve in water which is much better for the environment. There are companies out there that use this product when shipping their merchandise so one could re-use them or purchase some at a packaging store.
On the Fifth Day of Sustainability, Colloquium shared with me - Reusable Gift Wrap
Wrapping is essential for the holiday gift-giving season. Instead of using single-use paper, try using a large cloth. There are multiple ways to wrap gifts using a large cloth which is essential for various gift sizes. A video was created to illustrate two different cloth wrapping tutorials. Many more are available on the internet.
Instagram Followers Participation
Throughout the week, we had our Instagram followers participate in a giveaway! We posted interactive stories throughout the week for our followers to enter for a chance to win an e-giftcard for the place of their choosing.
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