How to Have a More Eco-Friendly Christmas
When it comes to Christmas day,the meal we have really is the main event, when we allow ourselves to indulge a bit more than we have at any other time of year. Unfortunately, this often leaves a large amount of waste, and the food we eat is far from ideal for the environment. Here are some tips for making your Christmas dinner more environmentally friendly.
Buy Organic
If you do not buy organic, then chances are that you're eating birds that have raised in intensive factory farms that are not only bad for the animals but also bad for the environment. And these animals can be full of unnatural hormones, and the fed food which was grown making use of harmful chemicals.
Instead, opt for Turkey's membership this year. This option may be more expensive, but it will be healthier for you and the planet. If you want to save money then buy directly from local farmers (local purchase also has its other benefits as you'll see below). And remember - the drinks you serve can be organic too!
Buy Local and Seasonal Produce
Buying local is a great way to support your region. You'll keep money in the hands of small time farmers rather than large enterprises, and it will help increase employment opportunities in which area you live.
On buying local means you will not buy food that has traveled miles across the world to arrive at your table. Out of season vegetables often have to be flown in from countries with a different climate, which does nothing to help your carbon footprint. Seasonal and local really are the way to go.
Other Green Christmas Dinner Tips
There are a few other ways to save energy on your green Christmas dinner. Although you'll likely be cooking a lot of the ingredients for the main meal, if you'll be snacking beforehand, or serving starters, choosing food that doesn't need cooking will save energy and time.
When you are cooking your food, try to open the oven as little as possible, use lids on saucepans to enable you to turn the heat down, and then leave the oven door open once cooking is finished to let the heat warm up the home.
Go Vegetarian
Although this tip isn't for everyone, the absolute biggest thing you can do to help protect the environment this Christmas is to go vegetarian. One pound of meat takes far more energy and resources to produce than a pound of vegetables. There are now a huge number of delicious choices for vegetarian Christmas meals. If you can't go the whole way, perhaps start by replacing a key ingredient with a vegetarian alternative and see how you like it.
Christmas Dinner Leftovers
It goes without saying that you should do your best to make the most of the leftovers after Christmas. Soups, stews and pies are all fantastic ways to use up leftover meat. If you've got too much to use, cook meals you can freeze or give leftovers to some of your Christmas guests.
Please visit http://friendidea.com for free information
Buy Organic
If you do not buy organic, then chances are that you're eating birds that have raised in intensive factory farms that are not only bad for the animals but also bad for the environment. And these animals can be full of unnatural hormones, and the fed food which was grown making use of harmful chemicals.
Instead, opt for Turkey's membership this year. This option may be more expensive, but it will be healthier for you and the planet. If you want to save money then buy directly from local farmers (local purchase also has its other benefits as you'll see below). And remember - the drinks you serve can be organic too!
Buy Local and Seasonal Produce
Buying local is a great way to support your region. You'll keep money in the hands of small time farmers rather than large enterprises, and it will help increase employment opportunities in which area you live.
On buying local means you will not buy food that has traveled miles across the world to arrive at your table. Out of season vegetables often have to be flown in from countries with a different climate, which does nothing to help your carbon footprint. Seasonal and local really are the way to go.
Other Green Christmas Dinner Tips
There are a few other ways to save energy on your green Christmas dinner. Although you'll likely be cooking a lot of the ingredients for the main meal, if you'll be snacking beforehand, or serving starters, choosing food that doesn't need cooking will save energy and time.
When you are cooking your food, try to open the oven as little as possible, use lids on saucepans to enable you to turn the heat down, and then leave the oven door open once cooking is finished to let the heat warm up the home.
Go Vegetarian
Although this tip isn't for everyone, the absolute biggest thing you can do to help protect the environment this Christmas is to go vegetarian. One pound of meat takes far more energy and resources to produce than a pound of vegetables. There are now a huge number of delicious choices for vegetarian Christmas meals. If you can't go the whole way, perhaps start by replacing a key ingredient with a vegetarian alternative and see how you like it.
Christmas Dinner Leftovers
It goes without saying that you should do your best to make the most of the leftovers after Christmas. Soups, stews and pies are all fantastic ways to use up leftover meat. If you've got too much to use, cook meals you can freeze or give leftovers to some of your Christmas guests.
Please visit http://friendidea.com for free information