Advent is just around the corner and many people are looking forward to the daily surprise from their Advent calendar. But how about creating a sustainable Advent calendar this year? With a little creativity and the right awareness of environmental protection, you can make the pre-Christmas period more environmentally friendly. In this article you will find numerous ideas and suggestions on how you can create an Advent calendar with sustainable materials and environmentally friendly fillings.
Key findings
- Sustainable materials such as recycled paper, fabric bags and reusable packaging are environmentally friendly alternatives for the Advent calendar.
- Environmentally friendly fillings such as homemade treats, natural care products and seeds offer a green surprise behind each door.
- DIY ideas such as upcycling projects and crafts with natural materials promote creativity while protecting the environment.
- Sustainable Advent calendars allow children to learn in a playful way how important environmental protection is, for example through environmentally friendly toys and books.
- Community activities such as neighborhood projects and joint planting events strengthen the sense of community and contribute to a greener environment.
Sustainable materials for the Advent calendar
A sustainable Advent calendar starts with choosing the right materials. Recycled paper and cardboard are an excellent choice because they are not only environmentally friendly but also versatile. They can easily be cut into different shapes and painted to create individual and creative calendars.
Recycled paper and cardboard
Recycled paper and cardboard are a great choice because they are not only environmentally friendly but also versatile. They can easily be cut into different shapes and painted to create personalized and creative calendars.
Cloth bags and jute bags
Fabric bags and jute sacks are a charming and reusable alternative to traditional advent calendars. These materials are durable and can be reused every year, making them a sustainable option. You can decorate and personalize the bags and sacks as you wish.
Reusable packaging
Reusable packaging such as small tins, jars or boxes is also an environmentally friendly choice. This packaging can be reused for other purposes after the Advent season, reducing waste and protecting the environment. You can also creatively design and customize the packaging to create a unique Advent calendar.
Environmentally friendly fillings for the Advent calendar
Homemade treats
Homemade treats are not only delicious, but also environmentally friendly. Avoid packaging waste by packing cookies, chocolates or jams in reusable jars or fabric bags.
Natural care products
Natural care products such as handmade soaps, bath salts or lip balm are perfect fillings for a sustainable Advent calendar. Make sure that the products come in environmentally friendly packaging such as 50x brown bags or glass containers.
Seeds and plants
Give away seeds for flowers, herbs or vegetables. These gifts not only promote the environment, but also the joy of gardening. A small plant in a pot can also be a wonderful gift and brings greenery to the Advent season.
An environmentally friendly Advent calendar shows that sustainability and joy can go hand in hand.
DIY ideas for a green Advent calendar
A homemade Advent calendar is not only personal and unique, but also a wonderful way to use sustainable materials and get creative. Here are some ideas on how to make your own eco-friendly Advent calendar.
Advent calendar for children: learning about sustainability through play
Eco-friendly toys are a great way to teach children about the importance of sustainability. Discover engaging interactive games and activities in our post that promote children's environmental awareness through play.
Books and stories are powerful tools for teaching children about important topics like environmental protection. They can have exciting adventures while learning how to protect nature.
Joint craft activities with natural materials not only promote creativity, but also environmental awareness in children. Here are some ideas:
- Crafts with pine cones and leaves
- Production of bird food from natural ingredients
- Creation of Christmas decorations from recycled materials
By crafting together, children learn in a playful way how to reuse materials and protect the environment.
Advent calendar campaigns for a green community
Neighbourhood projects
An Advent calendar can be a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the neighborhood and do something together for the environment. Organize joint activities , such as garbage collection campaigns or creating a community garden. Such projects not only promote environmental protection, but also cohesion in the neighborhood.
Joint planting campaigns
Why not use the Advent season to plant trees or bushes together? These activities can be organized not only in the neighborhood, but also in schools or clubs. Planting together promotes awareness of nature and at the same time creates green oases in the area.
Exchange and giveaway campaigns
Instead of buying new things, you can organize exchanges and gift giving events during Advent. Make a list of things you no longer need and exchange them with others. This reduces waste and encourages the reuse of resources. Such events can also be carried out online on social networks or on special platforms.
The Advent season offers numerous opportunities to get active together and make a positive contribution to the environment. Use this time to start sustainable projects and strengthen the community.
Zero Waste Advent Calendar: Avoid waste during the Christmas season
Plastic-free alternatives
A zero-waste advent calendar uses plastic-free alternatives . Instead of conventional plastic packaging , wooden packaging can be used. Using wood as packaging material is the best way to avoid waste. This is because the renewable raw material from the forest can be used many times and is recyclable.
Packaging-free gifts
Wrapping-free gifts are a great way to reduce waste. Here are some ideas:
- Homemade jams or biscuits
- Handmade soaps
- Vouchers for joint activities
Minimalist ideas
A minimalist approach helps to focus on the essentials and avoid superfluous things. Less is often more, especially during the Christmas season. A few suggestions:
- A beautiful poem or a personal message
- A small but meaningful piece of jewelry
- A handwritten invitation to a walk together
A zero waste advent calendar is not only good for the environment, but also brings a special joy to the Advent season.
Advent calendar with social added value
An Advent calendar can not only bring joy, but also have a positive impact on society . Here are some ideas on how to create an Advent calendar with social added value .
Donate instead of giving
Instead of giving out material gifts, you can make a small donation to a charitable organization every day. This can be in the form of money, time or donations in kind. It's a great way to teach children the importance of charity and social commitment.
Fair trade products
Fair trade products are not only good for the environment, they also support fair working conditions and fair wages in the countries where they are produced. An Advent calendar filled with fair trade chocolate, coffee or tea can raise awareness of global justice.
Supporting local initiatives
Local initiatives and small businesses appreciate support, especially during the Christmas season. You can fill the Advent calendar with regional products or include vouchers for local services and shops. This strengthens the community and promotes the local economy.
An Advent calendar with social added value can set a sign of solidarity and cohesion and at the same time bring joy.
Conclusion
The Advent season offers a wonderful opportunity to encourage eco-friendly habits and make sustainable choices. With an advent calendar focused on environmental protection, we can not only increase the anticipation of Christmas, but also make a positive contribution to our planet. Every little action counts, and together we can create a greener and more sustainable future. Let's use this Advent season to make more conscious choices and preserve the beauty of our environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which sustainable materials are suitable for an Advent calendar?
There are many sustainable materials that are suitable for an Advent calendar, including recycled paper and cardboard, fabric bags and jute bags, and reusable packaging.
What can I put in an environmentally friendly Advent calendar?
Eco-friendly fillings can include homemade treats, natural care products, and seeds and plants.
How can I make a DIY Advent calendar sustainable?
A DIY Advent calendar can be made sustainable by considering upcycling projects, crafting with natural materials and creative reuse.
How can children learn about sustainability through an Advent calendar?
Children can learn about sustainability in a playful way through environmentally friendly toys, books and stories about environmental protection, and joint craft activities.
Which community activities are suitable for a green Advent season?
Neighborhood projects, joint planting campaigns, and swap and giveaway campaigns are great community activities for a green Advent season.
How can I avoid waste during the Christmas season?
During the Christmas season, waste can be avoided by using plastic-free alternatives, packaging-free gifts and minimalist ideas.