Eco Church: Thinking about a Green Christmas

As we get ready for advent, how can we reduce the impact we have on the planet? Advent is the time to prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ and Colossians 1:15-17 tells us The Son is the firstborn over creation and all things were created through him. So how could we celebrate this season in a way that cares for creation?

Ideas for a greener advent:

Advent calendars have become increasingly commercial and plastic. Consider either a traditional paper advent calendar, or a reusable fabric or wooden advent calendar.

Reducing Christmas cards:are there places where you could display one card to a group ( for example work, Church or schools), or think about e mail cards. Money saved could be donated to charity. 

Think about setting up a reverse advent calendar at work where people can bring in items for charity for example, food for food bank, hygiene items for the hygiene hub, small gifts for the homeless ( socks hats and gloves are very much appreciated at Shekinah).

Think about using natural materials such as fabric, wool or wood  for Christmas decorations especially if you are replacing older plastic items. 

 For more ideas you might want to read a book such as: 

Dreaming of a Green Christmas: Sustainability and creation care for busy people by Olivia Warburton. ( Available online from BRF ministries).

Or look for ideas on the A Rocha Eco Church website.