Ring in the Chinese New Year this February the 8th with the environment in mind! Chinese New Year is a holiday for family, celebration, and joining together to remember ancestors. Here are some of our suggestions on how you can celebrate the year of the monkey while also remaining eco-conscious:
Reduce Food Waste
Often, our eyes are bigger than our stomach’s when it comes to the holidays! Food is a huge part of any holiday or celebration, with so much to choose from it can be difficult to not go overboard. This year, you can minimize your food waste and donate any leftovers, or save leftovers for the following days. There are many charities all around the world that collect food donations, and serve food to those in need. Or you could use some of that holiday cheer and volunteer at one of the charities in your neighbourhood. This is something you can make a resolution to keep year-long!
Sky Lantern Alternatives
Known to be environmentally dangerous because they are a fire hazard, and can danger animals, their materials are also not necessarily biodegradable, which is an important thing to remember if you are planning on flying a lantern. Here is a how-to alternate that uses completely biodegradable materials.
Instead of flying a sky lantern this new year, consider lighting traditional candles or hang a lantern garland in your home. If you have children, here are some wonderful DIY lanterns to float in your pool, including ones with candles!
Sustainable Traditional Food
If dining in with traditional delicacies is on the menu for your family, pre-ordering is usually required. When placing your order, ask your restaurateur if you can drop off your own containers to pack your takeaway home. Or ask them to provide recyclable-in-your-area or compostable containers. Speaking of composting, most municipals that offer hot composting are able to take all food waste, including meat, rice, fat and bones. Check with yours!
Let us know how you celebrate the Chinese New Year in the comments below!
