Our team of Montreal real estate brokers has a few simple tips to help you celebrate a greener Christmas.
Prioritize natural decorations
According to the International Reference Center for Life Cycle Assessment (CIRAIG), buying a natural Christmas tree is generally better for the environment. In fact, the ecological impact of a natural tree is lower, provided it is composted or recycled after the holidays. However, buying an artificial tree is only ecologically advantageous if you plan to keep it for at least 16 years.
For its part, the David Suzuki Foundation recommends avoiding PVC decorations. Unless they are used for an extended period of time, at least 20 years, in order to limit their ecological impact.
Reuse packaging from previous years
Another way to reduce your ecological footprint is to reuse packaging from previous years. This simple gesture can have a significant impact on the environment, and is easy to adopt. In fact, according to ESG’s Observatoire de la consommation responsable, 46% of Quebecers already practice this habit.
Another way to adopt an eco-friendly approach to your packaging is to use newspaper that you already have at home. Not only does this reuse paper, it also makes your gift wrapping more original.
Choose second-hand gifts
The holiday season often brings gifts and Christmas lists. When your loved ones share their Christmas lists with you, it’s a good idea to take a moment to check whether these items are available on second-hand platforms. Such as MarketPlace, Kijiji or thrift stores. By opting for these alternatives, you can not only save money, but also give objects a second life, while reducing your environmental impact.
Choose your holiday cards wisely
Christmas presents are often accompanied by greeting cards. To make this accessory more environmentally friendly, we suggest you opt for cards from Quebec companies, designed to be seeded. Not only does this reduce waste, but it’s also a great way to contribute to nature by transforming them into beautiful plants after the holidays.
Prioritize activities over physical gifts
Choosing activities instead of material gifts is a great way to reduce your ecological footprint while enjoying quality time with your loved ones. Our team of real estate brokers will share with you some experiences to be had in Montreal.
For your creative loved ones, we suggest offering them a unique experience at Céramic Café, where they can create a work of art in their own image while sharing a pleasant moment in good company. If you’d like to explore your creativity from another angle, we recommend a visit to Café Moonday, located in the Plateau-Mont-Royal. This café is the ideal place to create your own candle in a warm, trendy atmosphere.
For movie lovers, our team of real estate brokers suggests a gift card to Cinéma Beaubien in Rosemont. This establishment stands out for its diversified programming, featuring local productions as well as international works. What’s more, the cinema’s retro ambience creates a unique atmosphere conducive to an unforgettable cinematic experience.
We hope these practical tips from our real estate brokers will help you adopt new habits this holiday season, to help preserve our planet.
